The 2023 Melbourne Grand Prix is a little over one week away, giving Australians their annual chance to immerse themselves in the Formula 1 experience once again. But with so much to do and so much to see, it can be hard to know where to start.
Thankfully, we have rounded up everything you need to know ahead of the Melbourne Grand Prix to ensure you have the best possible experience, whether you’re trackside, or watching along from home.
The 2023 Melbourne Grand Prix will also be a special one because it will be McLaren driver Oscar Piastri’s first race on home soil after he took over from fellow Aussie Daniel Ricciardo this season.
When is the Melbourne Grand Prix?
The Australian Grand Prix, which takes place in Melbourne, is the third race of the annual F1 calendar — after Bahrain and Saudi Arabia.
Free practice kicks off at midday on March 31 at the Albert Park track, with qualifying on April 1 before the Grand Prix itself on April 2.
The Melbourne Grand Prix starts at 3pm on April 2.
Where is the Melbourne Grand Prix?
The Melbourne Grand Prix takes place in Albert Park in Melbourne’s inner suburbs. The location is convenient; ideal proximity to both the city, as well as the Chapel St dining and nightlife district.
Like other F1 events across the globe, the Melbourne Grand Prix certainly wouldn’t be complete without some live entertainment to keep the party going long after the racing wraps.
This year’s entertainment package includes Alice Ivy, San Cisco and Jungle Giants on Friday night.
Hayden James will headline the Saturday night festivities, before King Stingray, Sneaky Sound System and Birds of Tokyo close out the event on Sunday night.
How can I watch the F1 from home?
All F1 events are broadcast in Australia through Fox Sports and Kayo Sports. However, the Australian Grand Prix is also broadcast live and free on 10 and 10 Play.
If you’re not in Australia, you can find region-specific streaming information here.
Who is the favourite to win the Melbourne Grand Prix?
As is to be expected, Max Verstappen is the overwhelming favourite for the Australian Grand Prix. He is also the favourite to take out the entire driver’s championship.
Sergio Perez is certain to be in the mix, coming off his victory in Saudi Arabia. Fernando Alonso, Charles LeclercLewis Hamilton and George Russell are the others to look out for.
Oscar Piastri is not predicted to finish high. He started eighth on the grid at the last race, but finished down in 15th and is certainly still learning the ropes and getting up to speed.
Who is winning the Driver’s Championship right now?
The driver standings for the 2023 F1 season are as follows:
- Verstappen – 44pts
- Perez – 43pts
- Alonso – 30pts
- Sainz – 20pts
- Hamilton – 20pts
- Russell – 18pts
- Stroll – 8pts
- Leclerc – 6pts
- Bottas – 4pts
- Ocon – 4pts
- Gasly – 4pts
- Magnussen – 1pt
- Albon – 1pt
- Tsunoda – 0pts
- Hulkenberg – 0pts
- Sargeant – 0pts
- Zhou – 0pts
- De Bries – 0pts
- Piastri – 0pts
- Norris – 0pts
How to get tickets to the Melbourne Grand Prix?
Like most Formula 1 races, the majority of tickets to the Melbourne Grand Prix are already sold out. If you haven’t already secured tickets, there are limited single-day hospitality tickets still available.
If you are looking for more affordable tickets, make sure to check that you are purchasing through an authorised reseller to ensure you do not become a victim of ticket scalping.
Ticketmaster and Tixel are the only ticket-only resellers authorised for the Australian Grand Prix. Details on travel partners and hospitality resellers can be found here.
