2018 Australian Grand Prix
Vettel defends Australian Grand Prix win as Hamilton takes record seventh pole
The 2018 Australian Grand Prix was the first round of the 2018 FIA Formula One World Championship, held on 25 March 2018 at the Melbourne Grand Prix Circuit in Melbourne, Victoria. Ferrari driver Sebastian Vettel was the defending race winner and successfully defended his win, his 48th career victory and 100th podium. Lewis Hamilton started from pole position, his seventh in Australia, a record for the event. The race marked the competitive debut of the halo cockpit safety device and the Grand Prix debut of future race winner Charles Leclerc, driving for Sauber. It was also the first Grand Prix appearance of Williams driver Sergey Sirotkin, who retired on his race debut after a plastic bag entered his brake duct. This was the first race without a Brazilian driver since the 1982 San Marino Grand Prix.
- Date
- March 25, 2018
- Circuit
- Albert Park Circuit, Melbourne
- Race Winner
- Sebastian Vettel (Ferrari)
- Red Bull Driver 1
- Max Verstappen
- Red Bull Result 1
- 3rd Place
- Red Bull Driver 2
- Daniel Ricciardo
- Red Bull Result 2
- DNF (Power Unit Failure)
Lore & Background
The race was the 83rd in the combined history of the Australian Grand Prix and the 23rd time the event was held at the Albert Park circuit. Tyre supplier Pirelli brought three dry compounds: ultrasoft (option), supersoft, and soft (prime). A third DRS zone was confirmed for the race, with detection on approach to turns 11 and 12 and activation on the exit of turn 12. The halo device was introduced after 18 months of testing, following accidents such as the death of Henry Surtees in 2009 and Felipe Massa's head injury in 2009. The FIA lowered starting gantries to improve visibility of starting lights, and drivers were permitted practice standing starts after Friday practice sessions.
In Their Own Story
The Melbourne sun beat down on the garage as engineers wiped sweat from their brows, the smell of burnt rubber and high-octane fuel hanging heavy in the air. In the pit box, Max Verstappen adjusted his gloves, eyes fixed on the track where the battle for supremacy was about to ignite. Beside him, Daniel Ricciardo offered a quiet nod, masking the pressure of being the reigning Australian favorite. The engines roared to life, a symphony of power that vibrated through the concrete floor, signaling the start of another chapter in their relentless pursuit.
Reader's Guide
The race was won by Sebastian Vettel (Ferrari), with Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes) second and Kimi Räikkönen (Ferrari) third. Max Verstappen (Red Bull) finished fourth, and Daniel Ricciardo (Red Bull) finished sixth. Charles Leclerc (Sauber) made his Grand Prix debut. Sergey Sirotkin (Williams) retired on his debut after a plastic bag entered his brake duct. The top three positions remained unchanged from the start of the race. No collision between Hamilton and Räikkönen occurred on the first lap.
Did You Know?
- Sebastian Vettel's win was the 48th of his career and his 100th podium.
- Lewis Hamilton started from pole position for the seventh time in Australia, a record for the event.
- Charles Leclerc made his Grand Prix debut driving for Sauber.
- Sergey Sirotkin retired on his race debut after a plastic bag entered his brake duct.
- This was the first race without a Brazilian driver since the 1982 San Marino Grand Prix.
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