F1 WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP 2024

Australian Grand Prix

Max Verstappen aims to maintain his crushing superiority over the field at Albert Park, with pressure mounting on his rivals to keep pace with the Red Bull just two races into the season


3 MAR 24: Australia, Melbourne 

ALBERT PARK CIRCUIT
1 2 3
Distance: 58 laps – 306.124km


Most wins: Michael Schumacher, 4
(2000, 2001, 2002, 2004)

Lap record /
Fastest lap 2023: Sergio Perez, 1:20.235

Team spirit: Wins by constructor
McLaren 11
Ferrari 10
Williams 5
Mercedes 4
Red Bull, Renault, 2
Other 3


PROBLEMS PERSIST
Mercedes still struggling with bouncing issues, triggered through high-speed cornering. First diagnosed in 2022, finding solution is now top priority

Porpoising: Aerodynamic phenomenon causes car to bounce when it is sucked too close to ground and downforce is suddenly lost

Rear wing: Lewis Hamilton (left) switched to bigger wing for extra stability in Jeddah qualifying – but this caused disadvantage on straights

Air flow

Downforce caused by ground-effect air flow under car


Sources: FIA, Autosport 
Pictures: Getty Images 
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