Australian Grand Prix 2023: What time the F1 race starts, TV channel and latest odds
Max Verstappen leads the standings after two rounds, can anyone stop Red Bull's march in Melbourne this weekend?
Two rounds in and Red Bull have destroyed all comers, finishing first and second in both Bahrain and Saudi Arabia.
Max Verstappen won the opening round before having to fight back in Saudi Arabia after starting 15th. Sergio Perez moved to within a point of his Dutch team-mate after taking pole and winning in Jeddah.
Fernando Alonso has taken two podiums so far in a resurgent Aston Martin and is third in the standings with 30 points.
The third race of the year, the Australian Grand Prix, is the final race for several weeks and takes place at Albert Park in Melbourne.
When is it?
The 2023 Australian Grand Prix runs from Friday March 31 until Sunday April 2.
What time do the sessions start?
Friday, March 31
First practice – 2.30am BST
Second practice – 6am
Saturday, April 1
Third practice – 2.30am
Qualifying – 6am
Sunday, April 2
Australian Grand Prix – 6am
What TV channel is it on?
Sky Sports F1 have near-exclusive live coverage rights in the UK this year and indeed for the next few with their usual excellent team.
The full schedule has not yet been released but Sky’s qualifying program is likely to start at 5am BST on Saturday, with their race coverage at 4.30am on Sunday.
Channel 4 also have extended highlights coverage this year. The exact timings of their programs are yet to be released but will likely take place in the early afternoon.
What do we know about the Albert Park circuit?
- Circuit length: 5.278km
- First grand prix: 1996
- Laps: 58
- Race distance: 306.124km
- Race lap record: 1:20.260sec
- Number of corners: 14
- Overtaking chances: It is not a track renowned for its great racing, though extra DRS zones and though remodelling of some of the corners have helped things a little they have not dramatically changed anything for the better.
What are the current standings?
Drivers: top 10
Constructors:
What are the latest odds?
- Max Verstappen 1/3
- Sergio Perez 9/2
- Fernando Alonso 9/1
- Charles Leclerc 18/1
- Lewis Hamilton 22/1
- George Russell, Carlos Sainz 40/1
