Australian Grand Prix preview: Red Bull hunting for first Australian victory in 11 years

For the first time since 2019, Formula One is back at Albert Park. A lot has changed since the last visit, especially the inclusion of a fourth DRS zone, and fans will be eager to see how the championship leaders fare at the famous circuit.

Charles Leclerc and Ferrari are currently on the front foot, and along with teammate Carlos Sainz they fill out one and two in the drivers’ championship, with Ferrari leading the way in the constructors. It’s been great having that famous red car challenging for race wins once more and can they get their second race win of the 2022 season here?

In this blog, we take a look at the front runners for the Australian Grand Prix.

The Scuderia back at the top

As mentioned above, it’s been a treat to see the Prancing Horse back at the top of the sport where they belong. The team from Maranello have looked incredibly strong in the opening two races, with both drivers finishing on the podium in each and the team securing their first 1-2 since Singapore 2019, which also happened to be the last time they won a race in Formula 1.

Ferrari have always viewed Australia as a happy hunting ground. They are the joint-most successful team at the track alongside McLaren, with the pair each recording 12 race victories. They also provided Michael Schumacher with the car to win four times at the circuit. It’s a phenomenal record and one they will be keen to bolster this Sunday.

Having won two of the previous three renewals of the Australian Grand Prix, Ferrari’s live chance looks to be Charles Leclerc, who has been battling it out at the front with reigning World Champion Max Verstappen at the opening two races of the season. Leclerc is currently the second favourite to finish on the top step of the podium (6/4), with teammate Carlos Sainz – currently on a streak of 17 consecutive points finishes – not far behind in the market (8/1).

Red Bull looking to change Aus GP fortunes

Red Bull have never enjoyed such highs as Ferrari at Albert Park, with their first and last race victory coming in 2011 thanks to Sebastian Vettel. A new-look track with a fourth DRS zone added looks to favour the Red Bull this time, with their speed advantage over a straight line expected make them a prominent threat.

Max Verstappen took P3 back in 2019 but will only have eyes for top spot this weekend. The reigning champion is the current favourite to bring home the victory (5/4), with Sergio Perez fourth favourite (14/1).

Ones to watch

In the battle for the points, things are starting to look interesting. McLaren put their opening race woes behind them and looked to have made improvements in Saudi Arabia. Daniel Ricciardo was having a strong race before being forced into retirement and looks a good shout to snatch his first points of the season at his home Grand Prix (2/1).

Another who is yet to score points is Mick Schumacher, who was unable to take part in the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix after a horror crash in qualifying. Haas are operating with a very strong car this season, demonstrated when Kevin Magnussen took a fantastic P5 in his first Grand Prix since his return. Mick has got a solid driver to look up to now, and it’s only a matter of time before he’s consistently in the fight for points. This weekend could mark his first, and he’s 21/20 to finish inside the top 10.

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