After two races in the Middle East in two weeks, Formula 1 returns with the Australian Grand Prix, which runs from Friday, March 22 to Sunday, March 24.
The circuit where the race takes place is once again the Albert Park Circuit, as has been the case since 1996. Since 2019 we have had a different winner every year (the race was not held in 2020 and 2021).
The chance of that happening again seems small, as Max Verstappen is already running away with the championship after four laps.
Verstappen had a slightly disrupted Friday, missing the first 20 minutes of the second training session in Albert Park as the Red Bull floor was replaced. He finished the session second behind Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc. Lewis Hamilton complained about his FP2 when he finished well below 18th.
What time do the practices, qualifying and race start?
Friday March 22
First exercise: 1:30 – 2:30 GMT
Second exercise: 5:00 – 6:00 am
Saturday March 23
Third exercise: 1.30 – 2.30 hours
Qualifying: 05:00 GMT
Sunday March 24
Australian Grand Prix 2024: 4 hours
What’s the latest news?
Williams’ Logan Sargeant will miss the Australian Grand Prix as his team has opted to relinquish his car to teammate Alexander Albon.
Albon had a serious crash during the first session of Friday training, with the chassis beyond repair. Because Williams only has two chassis this weekend in Melbourne, it means only one of their drivers will race and they made the unusual decision that Albon would race and not his American teammate.
“Due to the fact that a third chassis is not available, the team can confirm that it has made the decision to have Alex compete for the remainder of the weekend in the chassis that Logan Sargeant drove in FP1 and FP2,” said Williams.
Sargeant, who was a clear second to Albon throughout 2023 and has said it was a difficult moment so far in 2024.
“This is the most difficult moment I can remember in my career and it is definitely not easy,” the 23-year-old American said in the statement.
“However, I am fully here for the team and will continue to contribute in any way I can this weekend to maximize what we can do,” he added.
James Vowles said not having a spare chassis was “unacceptable”. “But it is a reflection of how behind we were over the winter period and an illustration of why we need to make significant changes to put ourselves in a better position for the future,” he said.
“As a result, we have had to make some very difficult decisions this afternoon. While Logan shouldn’t have to suffer for a mistake he didn’t make, every race counts when the midfield is tighter than ever, so we made the decision based on our best potential to score points this weekend,” he added .
Albon scored 27 points against Sargeant in 2023 and has never been surpassed by the American in their time together at Williams.
“I have to be very honest and say that no driver would want to give up their seat. I would never want something like that to happen,” Albon said.
“Logan has always been a consummate professional and team player since day one, and this will not be easy for him.”
What were the times after the second training?
-
Charles Leclerc, Ferrari 1:17,277
-
Max Verstappen, Red Bull +0.381
-
Carlos Sainz, Ferrari +0.430
-
Lance Stroll, Aston Martin +0.545
-
Fernando Alonso, Aston Martin +0.635
-
George Russel, Mercedes +0.674
-
Oscar Piastri, McLaren +0.800
-
Sergio Pérez, Red Bull +0.813
-
Lando Norris, McLaren +0.878
-
Yuki Tsunoda, RB +0.911
-
Zhou Guanyu, Sauber +1,144
-
Daniel Ricciardo, RB +1,257
-
Logan Sargeant, Williams +1,301
-
Valtteri Bottas, Sauber +1,308
-
Pierre Gasly, Alpine +1.414
-
Nico Hulkenberg, Haas +1,425
-
Esteban Ocon, Alpine +1,428
-
Lewis Hamilton, Mercedes +1,557
-
Kevin Magnussen, Haas +1,998
-
Alexander Albon, Williams (NO TIME)
Who won the Australian Grand Prix last year?
As in 18 other races of the 22 from 2023, Max Verstappen was the winner in Melbourne. Lewis Hamilton scored a rare second place for Mercedes, his best result of the season with Fernando Alonso on the podium for Aston Martin. The race saw plenty of action, culminating in a few late stoppages and a huge restart crash. Only 12 drivers took the checkered flag.
Circuit length, distance and race distance of the Australian Grand Prix
First Grand Prix: 1996
Number of rounds: 58
Circuit length: 5,278km
Race distance: 306,124 km
Race lap record: 1min20.235sec (Sergio Pérez, 2023)
How to watch the Australian Grand Prix on TV and streaming
As in recent years, Sky Sports F1 will have every practice session, qualifying and race live this year.
If you don’t want to take out a full Sky subscription, you can access the 2024 F1 season via Now TV, which has 12 Sky Sports channels for £26 per month and a minimum term of six months.
If you want to watch extended highlights then Channel 4 is your channel of choice, with their qualifying program on Saturday and their racing program on Sunday. You can also register with Now TV per race or per month.
If you’re outside the UK, you can probably subscribe to F1’s own F1TV, which you can do with a monthly subscription.
What is the current status?
What are the odds for the winner of the race?
Max Verstappen 1/6
Charles Leclerc 15/2
Sergio Perez 12/1
Oscar Piastri, Carlos Sainz, Lando Norris 33/1
George Russell 40/1
Lewis Hamilton 50/1
Who are the previous winners of the Australian Grand Prix?
Results since 2000
2023: Max Verstappen, Red Bull
2022: Charles Leclerc, Ferrari
2021/2020: Race not held
2019: Valtteri Bottas, Mercedes
2018: Sebastian Vettel, Ferrari
2017: Sebastian Vettel, Ferrari
2016: Nico Rosberg, Mercedes
2015: Lewis Hamilton, Mercedes
2014: Nico Rosberg, Mercedes
2013: Kimi Raikkonen, Lotus
2012: Jenson Button, McLaren
2011: Sebastian Vettel, Red Bull
2010: Jenson Button, McLaren
2009: Jenson Button, Brawn
2008: Lewis Hamilton, McLaren
2007: Kimi Raikkonen, Ferrari
2006: Fernando Alonso, Renault
2005: Giancarlo Fisichella, Renault
2004: Michael Schumacher, Ferrari
2003: David Coulthard, McLaren
2002: Michael Schumacher, Ferrari
2001: Michael Schumacher, Ferrari
2000: Michael Schumacher, Ferrari