Poll: Official 2024 Australian Grand Prix Race Thread - Albert Park, Melbourne - Race 3/24

[chrismscotland]

Melbourne​

When was the track built?​

The deal to host Formula 1 in Melbourne was done in 1993, with the decision taken to create a circuit using a mixture of the existing roads around the city’s Albert Park – mainly Aughtie Drive and Lakeside Drive if you fancy driving it yourself – with a little detour through the Lakeside Stadium’s car park.

When was its first Grand Prix?​

Just four months after Adelaide held its last Australian Grand Prix at the end of 1995, the Formula 1 teams were back in Australia for Melbourne's first Grand Prix at the start of 1996. That race is most often remembered for Martin Brundle’s infamous Jordan crash at Turn 3 after he launched himself off the back of Johnny Herbert’s Sauber.

What’s the circuit like?​

As a temporary facility, Albert Park can be quite bumpy - though resurfacing for 2022 will no doubt improve matters - while the circuit at the start of the weekend is often slippery, rubbering in as the sessions progress. It’s also a circuit that requires a well-sorted chassis, with several spots on the track where the drivers require a reactive front end to allow them to chuck it into a corner. Melbourne is also one of the faster tracks on the calendar, with Lewis Hamilton’s 2019 pole lap set at an average of over 235km/h.

Why go?​

Often found on lists of the world’s best cities, Melbourne is a blast all year round – and it only gets better when Formula 1 rolls into town. There are bars and restaurants aplenty, you’re right by the beach, while the race’s appearance at the start of Australia’s autumn means the temperatures should be peachy.

Schedule Information & TV Broadcast Times (F1, F2 & F3​

Channel 4 Highlights - Broadcast Times​

Saturday 23rd March 2024 - Australian Grand Prix Qualifying Highlights - 10:15AM
Sunday 24th March 2024 - Australian Grand Prix Race Highlights - 13:30PM

Track Diagram & Information​

Weather Forecast​

Previous Race Highlights​

• Australian Grand Prix 2023 - Highlights
• Australian Grand Prix 2022 - Highlights
• Australian Grand Prix 2019 - Highlights

Championship Standings​

Just a reminder, but consider it a warning - can we not have any further derogatory name calling of drivers, team bosses and the like. We don't expect you to like every driver/team, but at least keep comments respectful.

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This includes but is not limited to such terms including Lulu, Crashstappen, Karen Horner, Whingey Spice etc.

 

[chrismscotland]

I'll keep an eye on session times as they tend to shift! Full card of F1, F2, F3 and also V8 Supercars this weekend too!

 

[Kenai]

The F1 YouTube channel uploaded some extended highlights of the 2003 race the other day, which were an entertaining watch:

 

[Feek]

Australian Grand Prix 2023 - Highlights

Best link ever

Haven't decided whether I'll stay up late or get up early but no doubt I'll be watching qualifying and the race live.

 

[cuke2u]

Ah stralia, looking forward to one of my favourite weekends..

 

[chrismscotland]

The F1 YouTube channel uploaded some extended highlights of the 2003 race the other day, which were an entertaining watch:

Great race and the final win of DC's career!

 

[Stumble Bum]

I watch every single race but I'm not sure I want to watch at 4am just for the Australian GP which is usually a bad race.

 

[Stu999]

I have to admit I won't be getting up for the qualy and race at 5am and 4am, respectively. Will just watch the replays / highlights.

 

[cuke2u]

Apparently Bottas has been made an honorary aussie because of the mullet

 

[Scam]

Can't say I'll be getting up at silly o'clock for this one..

 

[koolpc]

Come on Max! Lol

 

[BlizzardX]

I love the aussie GP, not only as I enjoy the circuit BUT its also at the right time for beersies

 

[Tigget]

I like the track and never mind an early start, get more of the day to enjoy afterwards Will be up bright and early for qualifying and the race.

 

[bayo000]

Don't think I'll be waking up for this.

 

[imtoooldforthis]

It's a pretty boring track imo, no elevation changes, no interesting camber on the corners.

Im convinced lots of people have a soft spot for it simply because its the first track most people learned in the F1 games

 

[KiNgPiN83]

I think I’ll dodge the news and social media until the first replays of quali and the race.

 

[cuke2u]

It's a pretty boring track imo, no elevation changes, no interesting camber on the corners.

Im convinced lots of people have a soft spot for it simply because its the first track most people learned in the F1 games

Speak for yourself, I first watched a aussie race in 1985. Geoff Crammonds Formula One Grand Prix came out in 1991, for those who remember what was one of the best ever PC F1 games...

 

[Personality+]

Need someone to full send with Verstappen at T1, crazy to say, but that's the only way we will have an interesting race at the front, otherwise random mechanical or engine failure needed. I don't think I'll get up early for this race as there's no motivation to do so at this point.

seeing a competitive race for the win, hits different to any other scenario in F1. Can spin it however you like, but I don't enjoy the racing for other positions anywhere near as much. Even better if you have no idea who will actually win the race.


I regret my F1 TV Pro purchase but holding out a slight glimmer of hope some team finds something to at least take Perez out of the P2 equation permanently for the season. If he's competitive I know the car is on rails.

 

[el_dazza]

Don't think I'll be waking up for this.

Same. Everyone knows the result anyway and it's far too early. When I was a kid I'd get up for the crazy early races like Australia but sod that nowadays.

 

[uscool]

will watch the practice on catchup, will watch qualifying and the race dont mind the early start just leaves the rest of the day free , even more so if its not good