The Formula 1 action returns this weekend, as the Australian Grand Prix takes place in Melbourne. A competitive race could be likely once again this year after a dramatic edition of the race was the standout event on the F1 schedule in 2023.
However, once again, Red Bull and Max Verstappen will be looking to continue their dominant start to the 2024 season by landing a third straight win this term.
Australian Grand Prix Information
The Australian Grand Prix is staged at the Albert Park Circuit in Melbourne. The track has been the home of F1 since 1996, with every edition of the race being run here aside from the cancelled editions in 2020 and 2021.
This weekend’s race will cover a total distance of 306.124 km, with a lap of the circuit making up 5.278 km. The drivers will complete 58 laps of the track Down Under, with Max Verstappen chasing a second straight victory for Red Bull.
Australian Grand Prix Odds
Max Verstappen is the strong favourite in the betting to claim victory this weekend, as he is currently priced up at 2/11 with BetXchange. Sergio Perez is the second choice in the betting at 15/2.
Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc is priced up at 11/1, with Lewis Hamilton the next best at 33/1. Fernando Alonso, George Russell, and Lando Norris are all available at 40/1.
Verstappen Looking To Continue Dominant Start
It has been a predictably quick start to the season for Red Bull and Max Verstappen, the reigning world champion having secured victories in each of the opening two races of the season.
The team enjoyed a one-two finish at the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, with Sergio Perez coming home in second. However, Verstappen still finished ten seconds clear of his teammate, with Charles Leclerc clocking the fastest lap to seal third spot. But, the signs of another Red Bull domination this term are clear for all to see.
Leclerc Leads Chasing Pack
Charles Leclerc is likely to head the chasing pack for Ferrari this weekend, with the driver looking to build on his third-place finish in the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix.
However, the fact that he finished so far behind the eventual winner and runner-up shows that there is still a mountain to climb. He will once again mount his challenge this weekend without Carlos Sainz, who is likely to miss out on playing his role for the team in Australia.
McLaren Primed For Big Weekend
There will be a homecoming for Oscar Piastri this weekend, as the McLaren driver will be competing in his home race. There is a good chance that the Australian could be challenging for a podium finish this weekend, as his car has looked reliable over the opening races of the season.
Lando Norris finished behind his teammate in Saudi Arabia, but qualifying could be key when it comes to assessing the team’s chances this weekend.
Australian Grand Prix Prediction
Verstappen appears very hard to bet against this weekend, but we would be willing to take a chance on Piastri achieving a podium finish in his home race in Australia.
Pick: Max Verstappen at 2/11 with BetXchange.
Pick: Oscar Piastri To Finish On The Podium at 7/1 with BetXchange.
