F1 Australian Grand Prix 2022
The temporary 5.303km Albert Park semi-street circuit provides a stern challenge for drivers who are forced to navigate bumps and cope with the ever-changing grip levels as the track rubbers in.
It is also one of the faster layouts on the calendar, with Lewis Hamilton’s 2018 pole lap set at an average of over 235km/h.
Ahead of the 2022 event, changes have been made to the track, with upgrades to several corners meaning that the new layout comes in some 23 metres shorter than its predecessor. There will also be 14 turns, rather than 16.
History
Despite some protests, the deal to move the Australian Grand Prix to Albert Park was finalised in 1993, with the circuit comprising a mixture of existing public roads as well as a car park.
The first race in 1996 is remembered for an infamous incident on the opening lap, in which Martin Brundle was vaulted into the air in his Jordan after colliding with Sauber’s Johnny Herbert.
Damon Hill was the winner of the event, whilst other victors at the track have included Mika Hakkinen, Michael Schumacher and Kimi Raikkonen.
Most successful F1 drivers and teams
Unsurprisingly, the race is one that Mercedes have dominated in recent times, winning four of the last six and setting the tone for the season ahead.
Michael Schumacher is the most successful driver at the Albert Park track, though, having won the event on four occasions, and the German also holds the lap record.
Schumacher achieved all of his wins at the venue with Ferrari, and the Scuderia are the constructor with the most success at the circuit, with eight victories to their name.
The 2019 Australian Grand Prix
Despite the best efforts of everyone involved, the 2020 and 2021 Australian Grands Prix both had to be cancelled as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The last F1 race to be held there was in 2019, where Valtteri Bottas started from second on the grid but grabbed the lead off the line. From there, he never looked back, and eventually won by more than 20 seconds from teammate Lewis Hamilton.
Max Verstappen rounded out the top three for his first podium finish in Australia.