As the traditional season-opener for Formula 1 having held more first rounds of the season than any other venue, the Australian Grand Prix is usually a race shrouded in mystery and uncertainty.
However, after two race weekends’ worth of data to draw from and two Friday practice sessions around Albert Park, it’s far easier to read into the results from the first day of running in Melbourne this time around – even with a dramatically revised track layout.
Ferrari had taken the first round in Bahrain with Charles Leclerc fending off Max Verstappen and Red Bull’s best efforts before reliability woes ended their race. Then, Red Bull fought back in Saudi Arabia by making effective use of a low downforce set up around the high-speed Jeddah circuit.
Heading into Melbourne, Verstappen was coy over whether the Red Bull would have an advantage in at Albert Park, given the injection of speed given to it by race organiser.
Ferrari set the pace but Red Bull are on their heels“We definitely…