This is a question, which Formula 1 pundits, fans and teams alike will be asking themselves all season, but can anyone really beat Max Verstappen?
Reminiscent of the Michael Schumacher domination with Ferrari of the early 2000s and Lewis Hamilton’s reign in his Mercedes most recently, Max Verstappen has been in irresistible form since winning his maiden world title in 2021.
Despite the controversies afflicting the Red Bull Racing squad during the off-season, the team hasn’t missed a beat and neither has the driver winning both the opening two Grand Prix events.
Melbourne does tend to throw up some curveballs and surprises, especially last year due to the chaotic nature of the race leading to three red flags.
Ferrari has emerged as the lead contender through Charles Leclerc and if it’s strategy remains solid it may sneak a couple of races as it did last year through Carlos Sainz Jr, the only non-Verstappen victory in the last 16 races. Sainz missed the last race in Saudi due to appendicitis, but is back for Australia following replacement Ollie Bearman scoring points in his place.
How about the Aussie contingent? McLaren’s Oscar Piastri has started off the season solidly as he enters his home Grand Prix fresh from a fourth in Saudi Arabia. Piastri will aim to continue this form and maybe add to his trophy cabinet at Albert Park.
The RB Formula One Team and Daniel Ricciardo have struggled at the start of this season finishing best of 13th at the Bahrain opener.
Mercedes is not to be discounted as George Russell and Lewis Hamilton still form a strong line-up, which will end at the conclusion of this season when the seven-time champion moves to Ferrari.
Aston Martin isn’t as strong as it was this time last year, though the skill of veteran Fernando Alonso is clear thanks to scoring fifth last time out.
An interesting midfield battle consisting of an improving Haas, Williams, RB and Sauber will ensure battles will occur throughout the field. Alex Albon in the Williams will a key driver to watch.
What about the odds? Sportsbet has Verstappen a $1.16 favourite from teammate Sergio Perez at $11.50! Yep, nearly a whole $10 better. Leclerc is the best of the rest at $17.
With Formula 2, Formula 3, the Repco Supercars Championship and Porsche Carrera Cup Australia as supports, the Formula 1 Rolex Australian Grand Prix will be a great event whether you are watching it trackside or on the box.
If you are heading to the Formula 1 Rolex Australian Grand Prix this week, make sure you check out the Repco Garage behind the front straight grandstands. You can try your hand at the Repco Pitstop Challenge, plus you’ll have the chance to get up close to Sir Jack Brabham’s world championship-winning BT19.