Formula One 2020 – Australian Grand Prix Preview & Prediction

THE FACTS

When does qualifying begin for the Australian Grand Prix? Saturday 14th March, 2020 – 06:00 (UK)

When does the race begin for the Australian Grand Prix? Sunday 15th March, 2020 – 05:10 (UK)

What is the expected weather for the weekend? The sun should be out all weekend with temperatures ranging from 16-18c

What channel is the Australian Grand Prix on in the UK? Both the qualifying and race will be televised live on Sky Sport F1

Where can I stream the Australian Grand Prix in the UK? Sky Sports subscribers can stream the qualifying and race live via Sky Go

Where can I get tickets for the Australian Grand Prix? Ticket information for all races on the F1 2020 calendar can be found here

Who won the 2019 Australian Grand Prix on? Valtteri Bottas (Mercedes)

IN BRIEF

• The 2020 Formula 1 season will get underway with the Australian Grand Prix set to take place at Albert Park Circuit in Melbourne but McLaren will be absent from the opening race after they withdrew on Thursday following a positive test for coronavirus amongst their team.
• Lewis Hamilton claimed his sixth Drivers' Championship last season and he now sits just one behind Michael Schumacher's record of seven with a fourth consecutive title this year drawing him level with the German legend.
• Mercedes have won the Constructors' Championship for six consecutive years and will be confident of making it seven with Hamilton on board and he will be joined by Valtteri Bottas once again this season.
• Bottas earned four wins last season to finish second in the standings and he could be Hamilton’s nearest rival this season whilst Red Bull's Max Verstappen and Ferrari's Charles Leclerc are also poised to do well.

THE PREDICTION

Lewis Hamilton and Mercedes' dominance could be set to continue in 2020 and they could lay down a marker with a big opening weekend in Australia. Hamilton has started in pole position in Melbourne for the last six years and he should be able to continue that record by making it seven in a row but he will be hoping for more success in the race itself having managed just one win during that run. Mercedes have won four of the last six races in Melbourne and Hamilton can improve that record as well as his own by crossing the line in first place.