Max Verstappen and Daniel Ricciardo expect a “different” race at the Australian Grand Prix thanks to big changes at Albert Park.
Formula 1 returns Down Under for the first time since the 2020 event was cancelled on Friday morning following two positive Covid-19 cases at McLaren.
Since then, the circuit has undergone its first major renovation since it began hosting F1 in 1996, with a new track surface, many corners being reprofiled and the chicane at Turns 9 and 10 completely removed.
All this has been done to move away from the processional races that Albert Park had become known for in recent years, with a record four DRS zones also included around the lap.
And home favourite Ricciardo is confident that will be the case.
“Not taking credit but I was a little bit involved in the talks about redeveloping the circuit a few years ago when they had the first idea of what to do to try and make the racing a bit better,” the Aussie said ahead of this weekend.
“It’s always been a fun track, but on Sundays, it has been a little bit tricky for overtaking just through the layout and the nature of it.
“So really the idea was to try and open up and just make Sunday a bit more exciting (and allow) more overtakes.
“I think as a race now you’re going to see a totally different Sunday here in Melbourne.”
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That optimism was shared by world champion Max Verstappen, who claimed his only podium in Australia in 2019.
“I am really looking forward to racing in Australia again, it’s been a while,” said the Red Bull driver. “The atmosphere is always so good there too.
“It will be interesting to see the track updates, I think they will make quite a big difference, especially in turn six,x where the most significant change has happened.
“There should be more overtaking opportunities now too which is always positive.”
While the Australian GP is back, it is the first time the race has been held and not been be the season-opener since 2010.
On home soil again. ??
“B.E.A.Utiful.” @DanielRicciardo#AusGP pic.twitter.com/s43ZcxrV6M
— McLaren (@McLarenF1) April 7, 2022
But that is of little concern to Ricciardo.
“Honestly now that we’ve missed it for a couple of years I’m just thankful that it’s on the calendar,” he said.
“So right now it doesn’t really bother me where it is, as long as we’ve got an Aussie Grand Prix then I’m happy.
“I’m honestly not fussed, whether it’s first, third or tenth, as long as it stays on and we get to come back then I’ll take that.”
