AUSTRALIA. Melbourne: Charles Leclerc won the Australian Grand Prix, with Sergio Pérez of Oracle Red Bull in second and Mercedes’ George Russell in third. After Red Bull’s Verstappen retired on Lap 39, the Ferrari driver took command and maintained a commanding lead over the other drivers, eventually snatching victory and setting the fastest lap.
Sir Lewis Hamilton lost the podium by two seconds and got P4 while his team Mercedes retained P2 in the constructors’ standings.
Lando Norris and his teammate Daniel Ricciardo of McLaren secured P5 and P6 just eight seconds ahead of Esteban Ocon back in P7. Starting at 12th, Valtteri Bottas gained an extra place to take P8 followed by AlphaTauri’s Pierre Gasly who secured P9. William‘s Alex Albon secured P10 to give the first point of 2022.
Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc now leads by 34 points in the championship standings followed by Russell in second place in the standings with 37 points, five points ahead of Carlos Sainz.
“In Formula 1, it’s the first race where we controlled a little bit the gap,” asserted Ferrari driver Charles Leclerc. He further added, “Tyres felt great from the first lap to the last lap, we were managing the tyres extremely well, and I am just so happy.”
Australian GP Race Result: Top 5
1) Charles Leclerc of Ferrari, Time: 1:27:46.548, Points: 26
2) Sergio Perez of Red Bull, Time: +20.524s, Points: 18
3) George Russell of Mercedes, Time: +25.593s, Points: 15
4) Sir Lewis Hamilton of Mercedes, Time: + 28.543s, Points: 12
5) Lando Norris of McLaren, Time: +53.303s, Points: 10
Constructors standings after Australian GP
1. FERRARI, Points scored: 104
2. MERCEDES, Points scored: 65
3. Red Bull, Points scored: 55
The New Rules in F1 Racing
The new rules for F1 were initially planned for 2021 but got delayed due to the pandemic. The rule changes bring in a new generation of cars with a drastic aerodynamics overhaul.
Important changes observed
- A ground-effect floor for the 2022 car which ensures more of the downforce is generated from under the car.
- A simplified front wing and a sharp new rear wing that stops sending airflow outwards.
- The 18-inch tyres with wheel winglets help direct air away from the rear wing.
Albert Park Circuit and Australian Grand Prix
The Australian Grand Prix is the second oldest surviving motor racing competition held in Australia. It is an annual motor racing event. The race became part of the Formula One World Championship in the year 1985.
The Albert Park Circuit is a motorsport street circuit around Albert Park Lake, located south of central Melbourne. It is used annually as a circuit for the traditional Formula One season-opening Australian Grand Prix. The circuit has an FIA Grade 1 license and uses everyday sections of road that circle Albert Park Lake. Compared to other circuits held on public roads, the Albert Park track has quite a smooth surface.
Coming next in the Formula One season for 2022 is the ‘Emilia Romagna Grand Prix’ which is scheduled from April 22 to 24, 2022, at Autodromo Enzo e Dino Ferrari.
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