Australian Grand Prix – Albert Park Circuit Presentation
After two races in the Middle East, Formula 1 is heading to Australia. Here's everything you need to know about the race happening this weekend in Melbourne.
It was great last year to attend the Australian Grand Prix again. The track had been modified in anticipation of the 2021 edition. It is now slightly faster following the changes made to the section called Clark.
Last year, Ferrari experienced an idyllic weekend with a hat-trick for Charles Leclerc, including pole position, victory, and the fastest lap in the race. The Monegasque driver even dominated the race from start to finish. This year, things are likely to be more complicated for the red team, given their lack of performance in the first two races.
Find the key points of the Australian Grand Prix.
A semi-urban layout that emphasizes speed
This non-permanent circuit constantly evolves in terms of grip throughout the sessions.
Four DRS zones have been validated to enhance the on-track spectacle and the possibilities for overtaking, as well as defensive maneuvers. A chicane has been simplified in order to minimize the momentum loss of the cars.
The battle will therefore be fierce and high-speed along the 5.278km of the Albert Park circuit.
It’s Mick Schumacher behind the wheel of his Haas-Ferrari, with DRS activated, who was caught with the highest top speed, reaching 326.2km/h.
With the implementation of an additional DRS zone this year, the race director, Andrew Westacott, assures that this edition will be the fastest with speeds expected to reach around 340km/h!
The race lap record is held by Charles Leclerc in 2022 on Ferrari: 1:20.260, with an average speed of 236.741km/h.
When one Australian hunts another…
In 2002, it was Mark Webber who made the kangaroo clan vibrate by finishing 5th (2 points) in his first Formula 1 race and at home.
Since then, Daniel Ricciardo replaced him at Red Bull between 2014 and 2018, and now it’s Oscar Piastri’s turn to represent the Australian people.
Already seen last year as a test driver for the Alpine team, he is now confirmed for the 2023 season with McLaren, replacing… Daniel Ricciardo.
If young Oscar managed to have a great battle towards the end of the race in Jeddah, it seems that his papaya-colored car is not able to even fight for points in this early stage of the season.
Could this home race give him wings to achieve the feat led by Mark Webber 21 years ago?
The Pirelli Choice
The circuit is constantly evolving, but it is not very demanding on tires unlike other tracks. Therefore, Pirelli is bringing the C2, C3, and C4 compounds which will respectively be the hard (white), medium (yellow), and soft (red) tires.
An intermediate range that should not surprise the teams in understanding the tires this year.
🔀 More strategy options
↗️ High track evolutionOur handy guide to the #AustralianGP tyre choices 📖 #Fit4F1 pic.twitter.com/w8u2YRYtFs
— Pirelli Motorsport (@pirellisport) March 27, 2023
Towards a new Red Bull domination?
After Bahrain and Jeddah, the hierarchy at the front of the race is starting to take shape. Red Bull is clearly the overwhelming favorite, as their car with the bull symbol dominates the debates. The Austrian team has mastered the new aerodynamic and engine regulations to perfection and seems unstoppable. However, attention must be paid to reliability, which cost Max Verstappen his place in Q3 in Jeddah, and to the internal conflicts that may intensify as the season progresses.
Find the TV schedule to follow the entire race weekend in Australia.
