2022 Australian Grand Prix - Melbourne, April 08 - 10 Sportsbook Motor Sport

[Tom]

Full reset on expected lap-times for this one due to the track changes, never previously a great circuit for racing (at least not in F1 cars), it will be interesting to see what differences the track changes and car changes make to that.

This thread is for the general discussion of the event 2022 Australian Grand Prix - Melbourne, April 08 - 10. Please add to the discussion here.

 

[Son Of Jack]

So F1 returns to Australia after a two year absence.

Some questions ahead of the race on Sunday:

Will Verstappen get back-to-back victories or will Sainz or Leclerc put a stop to it?
Will Mick Schumacher score his first points in F1?

TV Times:
Friday: FP1: 04:00 - FP2: 07:00.
Saturday: FP3: 04:00 - Qualifying: 07:00.
Sunday: Race: 06:00.

 

[Dylan]

The changes to the track layout are expecting a quicker lap time over the last time the race was run.

And there will be 4 DRS zones this year!

 

[Snoops]

To me, it seems they've just gone too far at this point. But it might open up more interesting fuel-saving attempts while following etc. but I just don't see the need for making everywhere as high-speed as possible, 4 DRS zones, it's all a bit much IMO.

 

[Dylan]

Unbelievable lap from Leclerc! Looks like there's still more pace to find in that Ferrari while the Red Bulls are on the limit. Leclerc's race to lose tomorrow.

Rank	Driver	Number	Team	Qualifying 1Q1	Qualifying 2Q2	Qualifying 3Q3
1	Charles Leclerc	16	Ferrari	1:18.881	1:18.606	1:17.868
2	Max Verstappen	1	Red Bull	1:18.580	1:18.611	1:18.154
3	Sergio Perez	11	Red Bull	1:18.834	1:18.340	1:18.240
4	Lando Norris	4	McLaren	1:19.280	1:19.066	1:18.703
5	Lewis Hamilton	44	Mercedes	1:19.401	1:19.106	1:18.825
6	George Russell	63	Mercedes	1:19.405	1:19.076	1:18.933
7	Daniel Ricciardo	3	McLaren	1:19.665	1:19.130	1:19.032
8	Esteban Ocon	31	Alpine	1:19.605	1:19.136	1:19.061
9	Carlos Sainz Jnr	55	Ferrari	1:18.983	1:18.469	1:19.408
10	Fernando Alonso	14	Alpine	1:19.192	1:18.815	not available

 

[David76]

Just finished catching the race up, not the most exciting race, this circuit belongs as the opening race, the potential attrition, while everyone is getting used to the new cars, adds something, being race 3 removes one of those factors.

Ferrari is a class apart at the moment, fantastic drive from Leclerc there.

Good strategy from Mercedes, 3 double points finishes, 2 podiums and 2nd in the constructors' championship, more than they would have hoped for I imagine. Great to see Russell get his first proper podium, today we had a motor race.

Good to see McLaren back in the points, hopefully, it's a proper step forward, we'll see.

Red Bull has work to do. Verstappen failing to finish two of the first 3 races is worrying for them.

 

[Tom]

Early days but that's a huge lead for what looks to be the fastest car and arguably one of the best drivers.

Ferrari seems to have a car that is proper fast in all conditions, I think at the moment Red Bull will only win at the higher-speed tracks. Anything with a lot of corners Ferrari will win at a canter.

Mercedes somehow keep digging out results with a half working car. If they can get their act together they might still win the constructors

It seems like Red Bull made a deal with the devil last year, their luck sure has changed.

 

[Franco Pinion]

Lots of close following but not many passes during the race.

Leclerc and Ferrari looking unstoppable.

Harsh luck for Max with 2 DNFs in 3 races!

Albon and Williams get their point. Nicely done.