F1 fans all over the world have been waiting for what seems like an eternity for this year’s Formula 1 season to start. 2018 brings with it the introduction of the Halo cockpit protection device, a new tire compound, standing restarts, grid kids, and changes to television broadcast coverage. 2018 also brings with it exciting new partnerships like Scuderia Toro Rosso and Honda, Sauber and Alfa Romeo, as well as McLaren and Renault. The wait is almost over. The 2018 Formula 1 season begins this weekend in Melbourne!
For Toro Rosso Honda, goals and expectations began to converge during winter testing and, thankfully, for anxious fans the two weren’t all that far apart. Honda’s RA618H engine ran reliably and seemed to power the STR13 chassis to competitive lap times; however, as an engine manufacturer Honda still gathered less data than the other three. Seeing drivers Pierre Gasly and Brendon Hartley in low points paying positions seems to be a realistic expectation for this weekend’s race.
Mercedes and Ferrari took opposite approaches to pre-season testing with the former remaining low key and the latter showing the world a preview of what it’s 2018 car is capable of. Conventional wisdom says Mercedes has the upper hand; however, don’t forget how well Ferrari started 2017 and they will be hungry to get back what slipped through their fingers. Red Bull has piqued the interest of many F1 fans as their unique chassis seems to be so good it entirely makes up for their third-rate Renault engine. Speaking of Renault, now in their third year since rejoining as a works team they will be looking to advance up the order and they very well could find themselves fighting for 4th as a constructor. Despite a disastrous pre-season test McLaren should claw their way back up the order within a few races. From there, Haas seemed to surprise in testing with their chassis (which looks remarkable like a 2017 Ferrari) working exceptionally well with the current Ferrari engine. Expect Force India to finally feel the squeeze of the midfield battle condensing their modest budget and 2018 car that looks very much like their 2017 car. Williams has invested money and manpower in returning a respectable result, but the veteran squad will also be dealing with a young and relatively inexperienced driver lineup. Finally, despite a fresh infusion of cash from a Alfa Romeo sponsorship and a current-year Ferrari power unit, Sauber still looks set to occupy the back of the grid.
WEEKEND
TV
SCHEDULE
(US):
Practice 1 – Thursday, March 22, 9:00 PM – ESPN3
Practice 2 – Friday, March 23, 1:00 AM – ESPN3
Practice 3 – Friday, March 23, 10:00 PM –
ESPNEWS
Qualifying – Saturday, March 24, 2:00 AM – ESPN2
Race – Sunday, March 25, 1:00 AM – ESPN2
CIRCUIT
INFO:
Lap data
Lap length: 5.303km (3.295 miles)
Race laps: 58
Race distance: 307.574km (191.118 miles)
Pole position: Left-hand side of the track
Lap record*: 1’24.125 (226.934 kph) by Michael Schumacher, 2004
Maximum speed: 312kph (193.868 mph)
DRS
zone/s (race): First and second straight
Distance from grid to turn one: 380m
Car performance
Full throttle: 71%
Longest flat-out section: 843m
Downforce level: High
Gear changes per lap: 54
Fuel use per lap: 2.5kg
Time penalty per lap of fuel: 0.1s
Strategy
Quickest complete pit stop: 2012 21.91s by Ferrari
2018 tyres: Ultrasoft, Supersoft, Soft (2017: Ultrasoft, Supersoft, Soft)
2017 V6
TURBO
ERA
RESULTS:
Race laps: 57
Pole sitter: Lewis Hamilton – Mercedes – 1:22.188
Fast race lap: Kimi Raikkonen – Ferrari – 1:26.538
Podium
1. Sebastian Vettel – Ferrari
2. Lewis Hamilton – Mercedes
3. Valtteri Bottas – Mercedes
*Fastest lap set during a Grand Prix
Data sources:
FIA
, Williams, Mercedes
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