Formula 1 2024: Australian Grand Prix
Track Insights:
The Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix has a rich history dating back to its inception, becoming a pivotal event in the realm of motorsports. Celebrated as the kickstarter of the F1 season, the race unfolds at the charming Albert Park Circuit, nestled in Melbourne, Australia. This prestigious competition allures enthusiasts globally, offering a mix of high-speed drama against a backdrop of stunning vistas. Renowned for its blend of rapid corners and impeccable tarmac, the circuit poses a formidable yet exhilarating challenge for racers. Beyond testing velocity and expertise, the Australian Grand Prix transcends into a cultural fiesta, melding the excitement of racing with the vivacious ambiance of its host city. As one of the seasoned fixtures on the F1 calendar, the Australian Grand Prix has become a sentimental favorite among fans and drivers, cementing its status as an annual spectacle not to be missed.
This track sees drivers go through 14 corners, 2 DRS zones and a lap length of 5.278km. Drivers are tasked with circling this track 58 times for a total of 306.124km.
Starting Grid:
Pole: Max Verstappen: Red Bull
P2: Carlos Sainz: Ferrari
P3: Lando Norris: Mclaren
P4: Charles Leclerc: Ferrari
P5: Oscar Piastri: Mclaren
P6: Sergio Perez: Red Bull (Incurred a 3 place penalty for impeding)
P7: George Russell: Mclaren
P8: Yuki Tsunoda: VCRB
P9: Lance Stroll: Aston Martin
P10: Fernando Alonso: Aston Martin
P11: Lewis Hamilton: Mercedes
P12: Alex Albon: Williams
P13: Valtteri Bottas: Sauber
P14: Kevin Magnussen: HAAS
P15: Esteban Ocon: Alpine
P16: Nico Hulkenberg: HAAS
P17: Pierre Gasly: Alpine
P18: Daniel Ricardo: VCRB
P19: Zhou Guanyu: Sauber
Race Highlights:
MAX VERSTAPPEN IS OUT! For the first time since the 2022 Australian Grand Prix, the reigning World Champion will not finish a race. He goes out after two laps with a rear braking issue that caused it to overheat so much that it not only melted the tire but caught on fire. Prior to this, the Ferrari of Carlos Sainz, who for a man that had his appendix removed some two weeks ago took advantage and was able to pass Verstappen and claim the lead. As the race went on, it would become clear that Red Bull was not the only one with issues. Lewis Hamilton, who has had issues with his car all weekend experienced a complete engine failure at lap 17. Joining Max in the DNF club for the weekend. To add insult to injury for the Mercedes team, on the very last lap of the race and trying to catch Alonso in the Aston Martin when he made massive contact with a wall which then threw the car into the middle of the track and taking any possible world championship points with him.
The theme of the race weekend seems to have been mechanical/supply issues for a variety of teams. The Williams team only entered one car when the race started due to Alex Albon crashing his car during practice in such a way that his chassis was irreparably (on site) damaged. Due to this and the fact that the team did not have alternate chassis’, the decision was made to sit Alex’s teammate Logan Sargaent and have Albon race his car- we can get into real thoughts on this decision later. Additionally, Sauber’s issues continued when Zhou Guanyu picked up some front wing damage but they were unable to fix it because the extra one they had was not to speck. As if this wasn’t enough, Sauber is continuing to experience issues with their pit stops being extended due to wheel nut issues. Both Bottas and Zhou experienced increasing long pit stops throughout the race.
Ferrari really could not have had a better a race if they tried- with the help of Max Verstappen’s car taking itself out, Carlos Sainz is having a stellar race. At this point, it is more of a race for the remaining podium positions which is a battle between Ferrari teammate Charles Leclerc and the Mclaren team of Lando Norris and home town kid Oscar Piastri. In the end though, the Ferrari’s seized the opportunity and under the virtual safety car from the Russell crash, took a one-two on the podium with Lando Norris rounding the podium out. Red Bull’s lone driver, Sergio Perez will bring home some world championship points in 5th place but the world championship lead for them is now incredibly small. Although we are only three races in to a twenty-four race season, it is already proving that Red Bull will most definitely not have it as easy as it has been in recent seasons.
Podium:
1st: Carlos Sainz: Ferrari (25)
2nd: Charles Leclerc: Ferrari (19)
3rd: Lando Norris: Mclaren (15)
