Official 2023 Australian Grand Prix Thread ***SPOILERS***

[BrettMRC]

Thanks for the thread Mr Poke!

I can't see anything other than a Redbull domination...

[kambites]

Verstappen has got to be the huge favourite. My bet would be that he gets ten seconds ahead of the first non-Redbull within the first ten laps then he (or both Redbulls if they are 1-2) slows to maintain a comfortable gap. I think Perez will easily get second but wont push Verstappen.

Who gets third will once again be fascinating.

Edited by kambites on Monday 27th March 09:45

[rdjohn]

pablo said:

There’s a lot of comparison between the supposed dominance of Mercedes and the prospect of something similar with Red Bull in this era. So I found some stats of Mercedes 1-2 finishes

2022 - 1 of 22
2020 - 5 of 22
2019 - 9 of 21
2018 - 4 of 21
2017 - 4 of 20
2016 - 8 of 21
2015 - 12 of 19
2014 - 11 of 19

I thought it was interesting, I’ll put money on Red Bull getting more than 50% 1-2 finishes this year…

I like Checo, but I do not think that he is a Nico to Max’s Lewis. I think that eventually, Fernando, George, Lewis and Charles will deprive him of a number of second places.

But them the car is very good.

[angrymoby]

rdjohn said:

I like Checo, but I do not think that he is a Nico to Max’s Lewis. I think that eventually, Fernando, George, Lewis and Charles will deprive him of a number of second places.

But them the car is very good.

Checo isn't even in the same boat as Bottas ...at least Hamilton gave Bottas positions & wins back

[Deesee]

4x DRS zones this week...

[PhilAsia]

Deesee said:

4x DRS zones this week...

FIA trying to knobble Red Bull again...When will it ever stop!!

[Deesee]

PhilAsia said:

Deesee said:

4x DRS zones this week...

FIA trying to knobble Red Bull again...When will it ever stop!!

They'll be so far in front they won't have it..

Bumpy track with large curbs, might break a few cars, could have a surprise, as favours a smoother driver (George/Checo/Gasly) should go well here.

[Jasandjules]

It is just me who thinks the Red Bull (well, one of them) will be 0.5seconds clear of the next team at Quali....

[mat205125]

Jasandjules said:

Likely to be pretty boring again at least at the front. Battle for 3-10th might be spicy though.

Tends not to be a track where there is anything of much note going on anywhere for on track passing unfortunately

[suffolk009]

My hunch is that Max will stuff it, quite by accident, all on his own.

[BrettMRC]

suffolk009 said:

My hunch is that Max will stuff it, quite by accident, because of Perez.

Fixed it for you!

[ChocolateFrog]

Cold said:

Not sure why there's all the moaning. We've had a different winner every race so far.

Red Bull and err, Red Bull.

[mat205125]

Deesee said:

4x DRS zones this week...

Woooo Wooooo!!!

All aboard the Alonso DRS train!

[TheDeuce]

Assuming a straight race without anything bizarre happening, this is a RB 1-2, they can play incredibly safe on this circuit and are bound to lock out the front row for the start too. They just have to manage a safe race and they can walk it.

So all that matters is which driver comes in third really. Obviously it should be a Ferrari but Ferrari will find a way out of that. So... basically either Mercedes or Alonso in his AMR I guess

[Red9zero]

fttm said:

Wasn't sure where to put this but hey ho , Kimi Raikkonen and Jenson Button competing in NASCAR at COTA tomorrow , early evening UK time if anyone is interested .

JB taking his NASCAR to Le Mans this year too. Looking forward to hear that thundering through the night !
Got to be another podium for Fred. Hopefully without the kerfuffle of last time out.

[anonymous-user]

There is a high chance of a safety car being a street circuit which, obviously depending upon time of deployment, could shake things up a bit…. I’m assuming this is a fairly nailed on 1stop for the podium contenders?

Weather is dry all weekend and low 20s.

[HustleRussell]

pablo said:

Weather is dry all weekend and low 20s.

Don’t be so sure! Apparently it’s been a bit unsettled of late

[Byker28i]

Losers this week - FIA again?

[andburg]

Ferrari were mega last year.....cant see anything but a red bull 1-2 given the high speed nature and their apparent drag advantage.

Ver.
Per.
Ham

There's my top 3 prediction

[LuckyThirteen]

Can I find a god to make an offering to?

I'd love to see Alonso first, Hamilton second and then Perez

In the real world,,,,

I'd like to see Perez turn up absolutely wired and prepared to take no s*it.