The third race of the 2024 season is scheduled for Sunday: the Formula 1 Grand Prix in Australia. After two pole positions and victories for Max Verstappen in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia, the Dutchman is aiming for his third double of the season. What time do the lights go out in Melbourne on Sunday?
Before Verstappen won a chaotic race in Australia behind a safety car last year, Ferrari and Mercedes dominated the Melbourne circuit. Sebastian Vettel, Nico Rosberg and Lewis Hamilton in particular have won a lot in Australia in recent years, but that series ended in 2023 with Verstappen's victory. The Dutchman has started the 2024 season more dominantly than in 2022 and 2023. Verstappen will therefore start the race as favourite.
Also interesting: Verstappen takes first place in the Australian Grand Prix contrary to expectations
Verstappen in Melbourne
However, so far this weekend, things have not been smooth sailing for Verstappen, who suffered damage to his car's floor during FP1 and never looked comfortable during FP2 and FP3. During Q1 Q1, Verstappen was not at the top of the times chart, which perhaps gave other drivers some hope. However, Verstappen personally put an end to that hope by taking pole position ahead of Carlos Sainz and Lando Norris by less than 0.3 seconds.
When does the race begin?
This will come as no surprise to fans who have already done so the past two days, but Dutch fans will have to set their alarms early on Sunday. At 5:00 a.m., the drivers will begin the warm-up session, after which the race will begin a few minutes later. Thus, Verstappen started from first place, ahead of Sainz and Norris. Charles Leclerc completed the second row, with Oscar Piastri, Sergio Perez (three-place penalty), George Russell, Yuki Tsunoda, Lance Stroll and Fernando Alonso.
