The 2023 Australian Grand Prix is locked and loaded.
Melbourne will occupy the Round 3 spot in the F1 calendar for the second year running as the race returns to Albert Park in 2023. And we’re sure the questions at the forefront of everyone’s mind are, has anything changed? And what’s different compared to previous editions?
Let’s dive into some of those pressing questions in our ultimate guide to the Australian Grand Prix.
Image: Formula 1
Australian Grand Prix latest news
Like all F1 lovers, we were ecstatic to see dates confirmed for the 2023 Australian Grand Prix.
2023 Melbourne F1 dates
The 2023 Australian GP will take place from 30 March to April 2, culminating with the Grand Prix. As with every edition of the Melbourne race, 2023 promises to be a thrilling and divisive experience among F1 fans.
Many enthusiasts (and you can count us among them) will say that Albert Park Circuit provides a delightfully unique atmosphere and a race which often produces unexpected results. Others, despite enjoying the event, can’t help but reminisce about the old Adelaide Street Circuit from years gone by. For us? Both have been fantastic in their own rights.
Following a covid-enforced break in 2020-21, the 2022 edition sold out at an unprecedented rate. If you blinked, you were likely to miss out!
Image: Pat Whelen / Unsplash
Australian GP to stay in Melbourne through 2025
In 2015, Australian Grand Prix organisers signed a contract to ensure the event’s continuation until at least 2023. Several years later in 2019, the contract was reviewed and a deal was made ensuring that the Grand Prix will continue in Melbourne until 2025.
Melbourne vs. Sydney: the F1 edition
There has always been a fierce rivalry between Melbourne and Sydney, and that is no different when it comes to which city would be the better host for the F1. Although there have long been attempts to woo the race organisers to other cities, Head of the Australian Grand Prix, Andrew Westacott, dismissed reports stating that the race could potentially end up in Sydney.
As the race was originally run in Adelaide from 1985 - 1995 before moving to Melbourne, it’s not outside the realm of possibility for it to shift again. That being said, there will be a fight afoot as both the race organisers and the ardent local fan base are eager for the F1 to stay in Melbourne.
Image: Formula 1
Australian Grand Prix track and city information
Now that we’ve looked at some of the event’s background, it’s time to talk about time around the Grand Prix, facts about the race in Melbourne and what makes the circuit unique. As we all know, no two tracks are the same, and each comes with its own tricks, challenges and thrilling corners — so, where is the best spot to watch the action? And what awaits the drivers at the Albert Park street circuit in April?
Image: Jose Mizrahi
Australian Grand Prix race facts & history
In 1953 and 1956, Albert Park hosted two non-World Championship Australian Grand Prix races on a shorter, anti-clockwise track. Following that, a street circuit was built in Adelaide and the Grand Prix found a new home before being brought back to Melbourne’s Albert Park in 1996.
For the majority of the year, Albert Park is a roadway surrounded by a beautiful park with ample walking trails, a lake, picnic areas, and a great golf course. But fast forward to six weeks before race day and the park is bustling with people setting up the temporary track.
The Australian Grand Prix is known for its unpredictability. One minute the podium positions seem to be set, and the next it’s all up in the air. A prime example of this is when David Coulthard moved up from 11th position to claim the F1 Championship title in 2003. That epic win ended up being the last in his Formula One career.
A further feather in Albert Park’s hat is that the 2012 Australian Grand Prix was the first F1 race to feature six current or former World Drivers’ Champions all vying for the top spot - Sebastian Vettel, Fernando Alonso, Jenson Button, Lewis Hamilton, Kimi Räikkönen, and Michael Schumacher. In the end, the 58-lap race was won by McLaren driver, Jenson Button. In second place was reigning double World Champion Sebastian Vettel, with Lewis Hamilton claiming the final podium position.
Image: Daniel Pelaez
Albert Park Circuit & lap record
Picture this: 58 laps of a 5.30-kilometre track surrounding Albert Park Lake, with a maximum speed of 321.1 kmh and some of the best F1 drivers in the world — it’s a recipe for excitement, and is always a favourite with viewers and drivers alike.
The track structure is put together just six weeks before the Australian Grand Prix and is only taken down four weeks after the chequered flag falls.
Lap record: on the former 16-turn track format, Michael Schumacher’s stunning 2004 performance included a scorching lap record of 1:24.125. This record stood for more than 15 years and remains unbeaten, as in 2021, the track was changed to a slightly shorter 14-turn layout.
As of 2022, the new track’s record is 1:20.260, set by Charles Leclerc. While Schumacher may no longer officially hold the Melbourne F1 lap record, it’s perhaps fitting that the fastest lap passed from one Ferrari driver to another.
Schumacher is also currently the most accomplished driver at Albert Park with a total of four wins (2000, 2001, 2002, 2004).
Image: Pat Whelen
Things to do in Melbourne while the F1 is on
While the Grand Prix is undoubtedly the crowning jewel of Melbourne’s summer event calendar, it doesn’t have to be the only thing you do while visiting the city.
Wining and dining
Melbourne is a sensational place to visit year-round with a world-famous food and wine scene and wonderful inner city laneways to get lost in as you go in search of hidden-away restaurants and wine bars.
If you’re looking for haute-gastronomy, we recommend the internationally celebrated restaurants Attica and Vue de Monde. But be sure to book well in advance — they’re renowned for good reason and bookings are sure to be filled several months in advance of the Grand Prix. Alternatively, head to Flinders Lane or the inner city outposts of Fitzroy, Richmond or South Yarra for a selection of more relaxed but equally impressive restaurants and outstanding gastropubs.
Autumn exploring
While April is the start of autumn, the climate in Melbourne can be balmy and sunny yet comfortable. But be warned, it’s also the perfect time of year for an unexpected rain shower and an occasional chilly breeze. The city is known for its four seasons in a day!
For sports fans, we recommend heading to the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground (better known locally as the MCG or simply the ‘G’) and its excellent National Sports Museum. A behind-the-scenes tour is well worth taking the time to do. Should you be looking for a more relaxed experience, head to the Yarra Valley or Mornington Peninsula for a tour of the local vineyards and wineries found just an hour from the city. Otherwise, start at a landmark such as the Royal Botanic Gardens and explore on foot to soak in the intoxicating sights and sounds of this cosmopolitan city.
Image: Dmitry Osipenko
See all the action from Ultimate Driving Tours’ private suite
Ultimate Driving Tours is extremely excited to be returning to Melbourne this year with our own private suite at the Australian Grand Prix. Join us on pit exit, just metres away from the action, and be among the first in the world to get up close and personal with the all-new 2023 F1 cars. This luxury F1 hospitality experience also includes a sumptuous dining and beverage package each day.
Image: Fabian Mardi
Love Formula 1 and motorsport? Explore more UDT guides
Are you an avid F1 and motorsport fan? Why not check out our other guides for more of what you love?
- Austin Grand Prix guide
- Miami Grand Prix guide
- Las Vegas Grand Prix guide
- Goodwood Festival of Speed guide
Contact our team to enquire about packages for this event.
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