For the third round of the Formula 1 2024 World Championship, the iconic motorsport travels southeast across the Indian Ocean to host the Australian Grand Prix around the Albert Park Circuit.
This semi-street circuit in the middle of Albert Park Lake has a unique setting in terms of both its picturesque setting and the combination of high-speed sectors and technical challenges, which make it a captivating opening day location.
Overview of the Albert Park Circuit
Embed from Getty ImagesAt the beginning of 1996, just four months after the last Australian Grand Prix was held at Adelaide at the end of 1995, the Formula 1 teams returned to Australia for the first Grand Prix to be held in Melbourne. The race has become synonymous with the Formula 1 season opener and has been a popular fixture on the calendar throughout its duration, earning a special place in the hearts of fans and driver’s alike, especially Aussie fans. It is a semi-permanent track that combines elements of both road and street racing with a permanent track infrastructure. Offering a distinctive racing experience that is both road- and street-based in nature.
Track Layout
Embed from Getty Images58 laps, clockwise circuit adds up to a 306 kilometres of pure pedal to the metal. Packed with 14 turns, the Albert Park Circuit consists of four DRS zones, the first in the newly built section between Turn 8 and 9, the seconds DRS zone passing the high speed section of Turn 9 and 10. The final two DRS zones stem across the start finish line and pass Turn 2 down the high speed straight to Turn 3. And with this newly built segment beginning from 2022, the Albert Park Circuit has developed some carbon-tastic highlights.
Iconic Features
Embed from Getty ImagesThe Albert Park Circuit has not undergone any dramatic changes aside from the new high speed section from Turn 8 to Turn 9 which was made ready for the 2022 Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix. And now offers the drivers another DRS zone and an additional overtaking opportunity. As Sergio Perez made it clear, passing Lewis Hamilton on the outside to claim fifth during the course of the Grand Prix.
Memorable Races around the Albert Park Circuit
Embed from Getty ImagesThere have been numerous memorable moments in Formula 1 history that have taken place at the Albert Park Circuit over the years. However, the most recent race that had sparks flying was the restart in the Formula 1 2023 Australian Grand Prix. With Kevin Magnussen bringing out the Red Flag hitting the wall at Turn 2. Which became the catalyst of the carnage at the restart on Lap 57 of 58.
Live Timings
Embed from Getty ImagesThe Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix weekend now resumes the normal format of beginning the race weekend of Friday with Qualifying being held on Saturday and the Grand Prix on Sunday.
Friday (22nd March)
1:00 am – Australian Grand Prix Practice One – (Session begins at 1:30 am)
4:45 am – Australian Grand Prix Practice Two – (Session begins at 5 am)
Saturday (23rd March)
1:10 am – Australian Grand Prix Practice Three – (Session begins at 1:30 am)
4:15 am – Australian Grand Prix Qualifying – (Session begins at 5:00 am)
Sunday (24th March)
3:55 am – Australian Grand Prix – (Session begins at 4:00 am)
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