F1 returns this weekend after a short break and we move on from the Gulf to Australia! Daniel Ricciardo is elated to be back at Albert Park in Melbourne for the race and feels racing on home turf is a ‘privilege’. Ricciardo would be aiming to turn things around after an underwhelming start to the season. The Australian driver has never finished on the podium at Albert Park before but has finished fourth on two occasions.
Speaking to the media, Ricciardo said, “I’m excited to go home, definitely it’s been a while. I’ve heard sales have been nuts and it’s going to be an awesome atmosphere so I cannot wait. I think with the new design at Albert Park, it’s really focused on improving the racing, the spectacle on Sunday, to create more opportunities for overtaking.”
Ricciardo revealed that besides him other F1 drivers are also quite excited and looking forward to the Australian Grand Prix. “Max (Verstappen) is excited to go as well. It’s personal to me because I am Aussie and it’s a home one and that’s a privilege. But every driver I speak to about Melbourne, they love it. They love it as an event“, he said.
As F1 resumes this weekend, let us take a look at what’s in store for us in Melbourne besides the homecoming of Daniel Ricciardo.
The burning topic seems to be – will Hamilton get his season back on track? The Brit is aiming for a record eighth F1 championship title after narrowly missing out last season. However, it has been an underwhelming start to the new season and some things need to change if he has to stay in the title race.
Fans are loving the Leclerc-Verstappen rivalry will we be treated to another intense duel in Melbourne? We certainly hope so. There are lots of other aspects to look forward to but the return of Sebastian Vettel and Mick Schumacher is what we are waiting for!
Vettel’s return is confirmed however Schumacher’s return in Melbourne isn’t official yet after the horrific crash in Jeddah. Nonetheless, we do have indications that the driver has recovered set to be back doing what he does best!
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