Last Updated on March 22, 2024 11:53 am by Erwin Noguera
The 2024 Formula 1 season arrives this weekend with an exciting Australian GP in Melbourne. As the drivers arrive to compete in the third of this year’s 24 races, there is much anticipation for what should be an action-packed event at the Albert Park circuit.
After just two races this season in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia, storylines are already developing around the top drivers and teams. World Champion Max Verstappen currently leads the drivers’ standings with 51 points, closely followed by teammate Sergio Perez with 36. Charles Leclerc is in third place with 28 points as he aims to challenge the dominant Red Bull cars with Ferrari this season.
There is also intrigue surrounding Williams driver Logan Sargeant, who will miss this weekend due to a team decision following Alex Albon’s controversial crash in FP1. As a result, the team decided that Albon would run Sargeant’s car for the entire Australian GP, as the team did not have a spare chassis for the Thai driver’s car.
The reigning world champion started strongly in his Red Bull car, winning the season-opening Bahrain Grand Prix and in Saudi Arabia two weekends ago.
Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc is in third place, having accumulated 28 points after a fourth-place finish in Bahrain and third in Saudi Arabia. Leclerc was on course to challenge the Red Bulls in Jeddah before Perez overtook him. The Monegasque driver showed that the Ferrari has a raw pace but still needs consistency over race distance.
The Circuit: Albert Park Circuit
The Albert Park Circuit is a street circuit located in Melbourne and hosts the Australian Grand Prix. At 5.3 km, it is one of the shortest tracks on the calendar but presents numerous challenges for drivers.
The circuit is known for its combination of low-speed corners mixed with high-speed sections. In turns 1-3, cars brake from over 300 km/h to just 60 km/h, which places high demands on the tires and requires precision on the part of the drivers. The famous Turn 11 is approached at full speed before drivers must brake hard and negotiate the tight left-right chicane. Overtaking is notoriously difficult at Albert Park, so strategy and pit stops take on added importance.
Recall that, for 2022, the chicane at Turns 9 and 10 was completely removed and replaced with a short straight. The new design should allow drivers to follow each other more closely and set up overtaking attempts in the heavy braking zone at Turn 11. The extra speed also poses an additional challenge for drivers to balance braking and cornering.
When :
Sunday, March 24, 2024
Betting Odds :
Verstappen, Max 1.25
Leclerc, Charles 7.30
Perez, Sergio 15.50
Sainz Jr, Carlos 26.00
Norris, Lando 31.00
Alonso, Fernando 30.00
Russell, George 36.00
Piastri, Oscar 36.00
Hamilton, Lewis 43.00
Magnussen, Kevin 100.00
Stroll, Lance 100.00
Ocón, Esteban 100.00
Sargeant, Logan 100.00
Albon, Alexander 100.00
Gasly, Pierre 100.00
Ricciardo, Daniel 100.00
Tsunoda, Yuki 100.00
Zhou, Guanyu 100.00
Hulkenberg, Niko 100.00
Bottas, Valtteri 100.00
Where can I watch it?
2024 Australian GP Betting Picks
The 2024 Formula 1 season is off to an exciting start after just two races. Max Verstappen currently leads the drivers’ championship, but Ferrari and Charles Leclerc have shown impressive speed and look set to challenge Red Bull.
This weekend’s Australian Grand Prix at Albert Park should provide plenty of drama. The revamped circuit, with its faster corners, could favor Ferrari, while local hero Daniel Ricciardo and McLaren prospect Oscar Piastri will be looking to put on a show for the Australian fans.
With unpredictable weather often a factor in Melbourne, strategy and tire management will be crucial. Look for a close battle between Verstappen, Leclerc and Perez. Also, don’t discount McLaren drivers Norris and Piastre as they aim to bounce back from a shaky start.
Based on the practice sessions and Ferrari’s impressive pace, we predict Max Verstappen will narrowly beat Charles Leclerc for the win. The podium will be completed by Sergio Perez in third place. Red Bull and Ferrari look set to battle throughout the weekend for the top spot on the podium.
Finally, we can say that our prediction for the 2024 Australian GP is as follows:
1st Place: Max Verstappen
2nd Place: Charles Leclerc
3rd Place: Sergio Perez
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