Albert Park Circuit in Melbourne will host the third round of the Australian Grand Prix this weekend, marking a memorable chapter in the 2022 Formula 1 World Championship. The season arrived with a sense of equality thanks to revised regulations, and fans watched Max Verstappen of Red Bull aim to defend his title while Charles Leclerc led Ferrari with his teammate pressing hard to close the gap. A year defined by adjustments and renewed competition, the field remains tightly bunched as teams and drivers chase consistent performance across diverse circuits.
The Scuderia Ferrari team is enjoying an impressive debut on pace and momentum, breaking through a period of hardship for some rivals. Mercedes, the elder statesmen of the sport, along with Red Bull Racing, has proven their staying power despite the evolving rules and the persistent challenge of keeping the car stable. After earlier expectations of a top two finish at Sakhir, Red Bull and Verstappen confirmed in Jeddah that Lewis Hamilton is still very much in the title picture, ready to contest every race. The season’s early clashes illustrate a shift in strength across the grid, with different tracks favoring different philosophies and setups.
Melbourne brings a renewed urban landscape around Albert Park, rekindling the excitement after a two-year pause due to the global health situation. The weekend promises a fresh duel: Mattia Binotto’s Ferrari squad versus Chris Horner’s Red Bull team, with Toto Wolff’s Mercedes likely to push back as the season progresses. The sport’s aero dynamics, notably the ongoing concerns about porpoising, have sparked adjustments across teams, and that focus on ride height, suspension, and overall balance is expected to translate into more competitive running as the cars adapt to the parkland circuit and its demands.
Where to watch Formula 1 races
The 2022 Formula 1 season can be watched live on television in Spain through Movistar+ and DAZN. Movistar+ will carry the full F1 channel lineup, expanding its coverage with the agreement that also broadens MotoGP offerings. For Latin America, key markets like Argentina, Colombia, and Chile broadcast the events through regional networks, with Fox Sports widely carrying the action and Mexico’s Televisa channel 9 providing coverage. In the United States, Formula 1 can be viewed on ESPN, ensuring fans across North America have reliable access to every Grand Prix weekend.
Australian Grand Prix schedule
Friday, April 8
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Free Practice 1: 05:00 – 06:00
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Free Practice 2: 08:00 – 09:00
Saturday, April 9
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Free Practice 3: 05:00 – 06:00
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Classification: 08:00 – 09:00
Sunday, April 10
All programming is scheduled in Spanish time, accommodating fans across regions who follow the race from start to finish.