Since 1997, Formula 1 has been coming to hold the Australian Formula 1 Grand Prix at Albert Park. The semi-urban track is comfortably hidden in the center of Melbourne and, despite its modest “age”, is considered the highlight of the racing calendar. This is also confirmed by a lot of interesting details, which are densely overgrown with the local picturesque line of straights and turns.
Interesting facts from the recent history of the Australian Formula 1 Grand Prix
Michael Schumacher is the most successful racer at Albert Park
The Red Baron has 4 wins on this track. Moreover, the Germans won them almost in a row. His long-time admirer Sebastian Vettel, who has three cups in his portfolio for first place, was on his heels. By the way, an online casino India real money offers many games dedicated to motorsport.
Generally, the winners in Australia are always different. Firstly, the route is not simple, it requires an approach. Secondly, more often than not it was Melbourne that opened the season. Crude machines and lack of technical experience contribute to the overall confusion of the final results.
David Coulthard’s Unsurpassed Record
In 2003, McLaren driver David Coulthard won the opening stage in Australia. The triumph was the last in the Briton’s career, although at that time it seemed that he would be able to get to the top of the podium several more times. However, it doesn’t matter. The main thing is that David came to the first place from the distant 17th.
Even though Albert Park can be called a relatively overtaking track (and at the same time very insidious), it will be difficult to repeat such an achievement. Modern Formula 1 cars are too reliable. Therefore, a breakthrough from the end of the peloton to the first position is something out of the realm of fantasy. In 2003, only half of the 22 cars at the start reached the finish line.
Kevin Magnussen’s Bright Debut
Kevin Magnussen is now known to motorsport fans as a tough, aggressive racer who does not hide his weakness for a strong word. In 2014, the Dane was an absolute beginner, but there were a lot of expectations.
In qualifying, Kevin sensationally outpaced his more experienced teammate Jenson Button and became 4th on the starting grid. In the race, the McLaren driver kept up with the pace of the top group of drivers and was able to finish third. And after the disqualification of Daniel Riccardo Magnussen moved to the second position.
In the recent history of Formula 1, the Dane’s debut has become one of the most striking. Only Jacques Villeneuve was cooler, who took pole here in 1997 in his debut qualifying.
Eddie Irvine’s First win
In 1999, the Ferrari team intended to take away the McLaren championship title in both competitions at all costs. During the off-season, hard work was carried out, and the test results were encouraging.
The qualification put everything in its place and became a cold shower for the Italians. The McLaren drivers in Albert Park occupied the first row of the starting field. Moreover, Mika Hakkinen, who took pole position, brought Michael Schumacher almost 1.5 seconds.
In the race, however, everything turned out ambiguously. Schumacher continued to be plagued by setbacks. The German stalled on the formation lap, started from the end, and later encountered a puncture and finally rolled back to last place. The McLaren drivers got off one by one due to technical problems.
The only one who escaped the vicissitudes was Eddie Irvine. The Irishman, who had been in the shadow of the Ferrari leader for several years, finally managed to prove himself and won his debut career victory. There will be 4 winning cups in total, and in the 1999 season, Irvine will even compete for the championship title.
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