Australian GP: Who will have the advantage in Australia?
Formula 1 heads to Albert Park to race for the first time since 2019, where an evolved track configuration awaits the teams.
The sport did last visit Australia in 2020, but the race was cancelled on the Friday morning due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
What happened last time on track?
Last time out, in Saudi Arabia, it was Max Verstappen who took the victory. The Dutchman pipped Ferrari ace Charles Leclerc to the flag by less than half a second.
The reigning world champion won a long duel between the pair, as they tactically fought over who had access to the drag reduction system (DRS).
Carlos Sainz finished in third place, ahead of Sergio Perez, who had scored his maiden pole position in qualifying, but lost out to an untimely safety car.
Lewis Hamilton endured a weekend to forget, finishing in 10th after only qualifying in 16th. When informed of his finishing position, he asked: “Is there even a point for that?” That just about summed up his weekend.
The Alpine pair of Esteban Ocon and Fernando Alonso had a fabulous battle in the early stages, but Alonso failed to finish while Ocon bagged sixth, after a final lap sprint against Lando Norris.
Mick Schumacher missed the race after a scary crash in qualifying, which registered an impact of 33G.
Who will the circuit suit most?
It’s hard to say which team the Albert Park circuit will favour most because there have been several changes to the layout.
Some corners have been widened, while the old chicane of turns 9 and 10 has been removed completely.
The new straight on the far side of the lake will favour a car with efficient aerodynamics and a powerful engine.
Red Bull so far have looked very potent with regard to straight line speed.
However, the Ferrari power-unit has packed some punch this season and it has been suggested that they achieved their performance in Saudi Arabia with a higher downforce setup on the car.
With all that in mind, the stage is set for another fantastic showdown between Ferrari and Red Bull.
Pole Winner – Max Verstappen
I’ve actually predicted Verstappen to take pole in the opening two races, but he has failed to do so.
Leclerc has produced two stunning laps to beat his Dutch rival, while Mexico’s Sergio Perez produced what was probably the finest lap of his career to date, to trump everyone in Jeddah.
I think the Red Bull will have enough pace on the flat out back section to cover the Ferrari’s and that Verstappen has a bit of a point to make, having not set the benchmark time in Q3 so far this season.
Race Winner – Max Verstappen
The race pace of Red Bull and Ferrari has been incredibly close in 2022 and I expect it to be the same this weekend too.
Red Bull have an advantage in straight line performance, meaning Ferrari have a conundrum to solve.
Do they keep the downforce on the car to keep more pace in the corners or will they opt for a skinnier wing to maximise potential speed on the straights?
There is going to four DRS zones, yes, that’s right, four of them. Leclerc and Verstappen have played a tactical game with one of F1’s most polarising elements and it’s netted them a win a-piece.
Is it possible that we will see the leaders, or any drivers in battle for that matter, trade places lap-after-lap, or even multiple times in the same lap?
It’s very difficult to predict, but I am plumping for Verstappen.
Race Podium – Charles Leclerc & Carlos Sainz
The Ferrari pair have been the most consistent drivers so far, ahead of Sergio Perez by a whisker. I expect both to be close to the pole position on Saturday and with an opportunity of victory in Sunday’s Grand Prix.
I’m going for a second and third for Ferrari, although I could easily be proven wrong.
Bold Predictions
1. Mick Schumacher picks up his first F1 points.
2. Esteban Ocon beats Fernando Alonso in the race again.
3. No points for Alpha Tauri
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