TRACK OVERVIEW

Pushing cars and drivers to the limit. The revamped Albert Park Grand Prix™ circuit is fast and challenging, incorporating four DRS zones and one of the highest average speeds in the F1® season. In the following turn-by-turn guide, we assess the driver's challenge and where the race can be won or lost.

Start/Finish

The longest true straight on the track is the start / finish straight, at a total of 0.8km / 0.5 miles long. However, this is not the longest flat-out section. The drivers can go full throttle continuously on the run from Turn 8 to Turn 9.

The first corner is a right-hand turn - a tight bend that presents an immediate challenge to drivers at the start.

TURN 1-2

Drivers have multiple racing lines at their disposal through Turn 1, allowing for more opportunities to overtake in the crucial opening moments of the race and throughout. 2022's track modifications widened the corner by 2.5 metres and the resulting speed boost increases the possibility for battles following the corner and into both Turns 2 and 3.

TURN 3-4

Turn 3 has the potential for an opportunistic pass with drivers squabbling for position here and around the following section of the track.

TURN 5-7

The modifications to Turn 6 in 2021 created the largest speed change anywhere on the circuit thanks to a huge 7.5 metre widening of the corner. In 2020, the minimum speed was 149km/h, that’s now jumped to 219km/h.

The quicker pace reduces turbulent air, also known as dirty air, from impacting the aerodynamic flow of following cars. What this means is better performance and more exciting racing, as drivers prepare for the upcoming 1.3km high-speed zone.

TURN 7-8

The drivers accelerate through Turn 7-8, a wide, flowing right-left sequence, passing Albert Park's Golf Course onto the fastest part of the circuit.

TURN 8-9

The longest flat-out section, where drivers can go full throttle continuously, is the run from Turn 8 to Turn 9. This is thanks to the new circuit layout. The old chicane half way along this section would slow the cars down a lot. Now removed, this makes for a run of over 1.3km / 0.8 miles before the drivers have to lift off the throttle for the entry of the very high speed Turn 9.

TURN 9-10

The removal of the chicane at the old turns 9-10 in lieu of a straight now includes a new DRS zone where drivers experience 5.4g as they flick the car left, then right, at an eye-watering 330km/h.

TURN 11-12

At the end of a long straight and DRS zone, the heavy braking zone in Turn 11 is one of the best possibilities for overtakes. Turn 12, however, is no overtaking spot, as the drivers begin to navigate the medium speed section of the track.

TURN 13-14

Turn 13 (previously Turn 15) is a challenging corner, where drivers can easily make mistakes.

To increase the difficulty for the lead car to defend its position, the corner was widened by 3.5 metres.