Verstappen looks ahead: 'Australia hasn't always been kind to us'

The start of the 2023 season has been particularly successful for Verstappen and Red Bull. In the first race, Verstappen was firmly in control of the win, and in the second Grand Prix, the Dutchman rode a handsome catch-up race from 15th place. He then finished second behind his teammate Sergio Perez, but because Verstappen had the fastest race lap, he now enters the Australian Grand Prix leading the championship by one point ahead of Perez.

"I'm looking forward to going to Australia again," the reigning world champion looks ahead. "It’s always nice to be there and experience Melbourne a little, although, from a racing point of view, it is not one that has been too kind to us over the years. The track is great with some high-speed corners, and one I enjoy driving so hopefully we can have a good race this weekend. We just need it to be straightforward and consistent. We haven’t won there as a Team since 2011, so let’s see what we can do."

Vettel last winner for Red Bull in Australia

Indeed, Red Bull's last win in Australia was in 2011. Sebastian Vettel then kicked off the season with the Australian Grand Prix in which he would eventually capture his second title. Last year, Verstappen crashed out midway through the race because of a fuel leak. The win that year went to Charles Leclerc.