via Reuters
Formula One F1 – Bahrain Grand Prix – Bahrain International Circuit, Sakhir, Bahrain – March 20, 2022 Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc and Red Bull’s Max Verstappen in action during the race REUTERS/Hamad I Mohammed
via Reuters
Formula One F1 – Bahrain Grand Prix – Bahrain International Circuit, Sakhir, Bahrain – March 20, 2022 Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc and Red Bull’s Max Verstappen in action during the race REUTERS/Hamad I Mohammed
Exciting times lay ahead for Formula 1 fans with the return of the Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne. The prominent Albert Park witnessed a record crowd on Friday with 112,466 in attendance to watch the first two Free Practice sessions. Charles Leclerc and Max Verstappen continued to dominate the track with the Monegasque coming out on top in FP2.
Leclerc also set the fastest ever lap in Albert Park on his way to take the first place in FP2. Ferrari suffered porpoising issues, but their pace is currently unmatched. Meanwhile, Verstappen finished 0.245 seconds behind the Leclerc with Carlos Sainz finishing third. However, FP1 saw Sainz top the timesheet with his teammate behind him, as Perez finished ahead of Verstappen.
A preview of what is to come?
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Meanwhile, the fans witnessed an interesting moment during the Free Practice 2 session. Leclerc gave Verstappen a tow as Formula 1 teased the fans ahead of the race. The battle has been even so far, with both the drivers winning once in the first two races. The Monegasque currently leads the driver’s standing with Verstappen 20 points behind. However, many expect a hard-fought battle between the two in Australia and throughout the season.
Verstappen and Leclerc 👀
A taste of what's to come this weekend, perhaps? 😅#AusGP #F1 pic.twitter.com/bWzPoze3cn
— Formula 1 (@F1) April 8, 2022
The iconic Albert Park sees many changes introduced ahead of this season’s race. For the first time in Formula 1 history, there are four DRS zones established to aid overtaking.
Read More: Max Verstappen vs Charles Leclerc Net Worth, Salary & Contract Comparison
This year also see many corners widened with an aim to provide more room for the cars to overtake. The turns 9 and 10 have also been expunged. So, fans can expect plenty of racing action and drama on Sunday.
Max Verstappen feels Ferrari is quicker so far
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The reigning World Champion’s victory in Saudi Arabia saw him get off the mark in 2022. Red Bull was quicker on the straights, while Ferrari had the edge on the corners. And Verstappen believes Ferrari is slightly ahead of the Milton-Keynes-based team after Friday’s practice sessions.
via Reuters
Formula One F1 – Pre-Season Testing – Bahrain International Circuit, Sakhir, Bahrain – March 12, 2022 Red Bull’s Max Verstappen speaks to media during testing REUTERS/Hamad I Mohammed
Speaking after a solid FP 2, the Dutchman said, “We’re a tiny bit off Ferrari but I do think that we can maybe make it a little bit closer. But they are quick again. In the long run everything looked quite stable and quite nice so I’m happy about that. We definitely made some good improvements today.”
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The clash between Verstappen and Leclerc is exciting, to say the least. Two young, determined drivers wanting to dominate and win the Championship is always a pleasant sight in Formula 1. With changes to the track in Australia, the fans are awaiting another nail-biting race. Who will come out on top? Leave your predictions in the comments below.
