AUSTRALIA: As Formula 1 returns to Melbourne for the Australian Grand Prix, F1 pundit Tom Clarkson expects Ferrari to make a surprise comeback.
Despite a disappointing start to the season with Charles Leclerc retiring from P3 in Bahrain and finishing P6 and P7 in Saudi Arabia, Clarkson believes the Italian team has always performed well in Melbourne, winning a record 13 times.
Ferrari historically has enjoyed a good setup in Melbourne, and Leclerc was dominant there last year.
The car is an evolution of the one they used last year, and although they may not have the pace of Red Bull, Clarkson expects Ferrari to take a big step forward. He reminds us that Leclerc qualified second in Saudi Arabia, just a tenth and a half behind pole-sitter Sergio Perez.
Leclerc received a 10-place penalty for using new power unit components, which ruined his race.
Despite Clarkson predicting a Max Verstappen win, with Leclerc in second and Fernando Alonso in third, the return to Melbourne may be the opportunity for Ferrari to turn their fortunes around.
The Australian Grand Prix has always been a happy hunting ground for the Scuderia, and with a solid setup and a previous win under their belt, they may surprise their fans and their rivals.
As the competition heats up, with Verstappen leading the World Championship by just one point and Perez eager to snatch the championship lead, the race in Melbourne promises to be exciting.
However, all eyes will be on Ferrari as they strive to prove their critics wrong and show that they are still a force to be reckoned with in Formula 1.
The Australian Grand Prix will be held at the Albert Park Circuit in Melbourne on Sunday, March 28.
Also Read: Max Verstappen Wins the Bahrain Grand Prix 2023
