After a thre-year hiatus, Formula 1 is finally returning to Melbourne.
The Australian Grand Prix will be the third race of the 2022 season and Aussie F1 fans are bound to pack the stands at Albert Park, with both Saturday and Sunday.
Leading commentator David Croft sees it as a two-team race as he tips Ferrari and Red Bull’s strong form to continue this weekend.
However, he believes Red Bull’s speed is ideal for this track and has Max Verstappen driving to victory.
“It’s a wonderful battle because you’ve got the two leading teams strong in different areas of the track,” he said on SEN Mornings.
“I think if Red Bull get ahead, either Verstappen or (Sergio) Perez, it’s going to be difficult for Ferrari to overtake them unless the drivers make a mistake.
“If I was to put any of your money on this race it would be a Verstappen victory.”
With Lewis Hamilton only finding the podium once this season with a third-place finish in Bahrain, questions have begun to mount as to whether the seven-time champion is past his prime.
Croft is not yet ready to say their long reign at the top of Formula 1 is over, saying he finds the criticism laughable.
“Two races where he hasn’t won, one of which he’s finished on the podium and suddenly he’s a busted plug,” he added.
“I love this overreaction.
“No, I don’t think the age of Lewis Hamilton is over, not at any point do I ever think that, I don’t think he’s driving badly.
“He is the only driver ever to have won races in every single season that he’s competed in, and I think he will definitely win races this season.”
The first practice season for the Australian Grand Prix will commence at 1pm on Friday, with the race to begin at 3pm on Sunday.