F1 Australian Grand Prix predictions: Alonso can make forward move

Free F1 tips, best bets and analysis for the Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix from Albert Park, Melbourne on Sunday.

Where to watch

Sky Sports F1, 6am Sunday

Best bets

Fernando Alonso top-six finish
1pt 5-2 general

Advised on Wednesday

Charles Leclerc to win the race
1pt 13-8

Race previews

Charles Leclerc made it two pole positions from three races as Ferrari continued their impressive start to the season in Melbourne.

The world championship leader is even-money favourite to win the Australian Grand Prix and is certainly backable at that price, while those who took Racing Post Sport's midweek advice to punt the Monegasque driver at 13-8 are in a strong position.

Reigning champ Max Verstappen lines up alongside Leclerc, but he has not been comfortable with the handling of his Red Bull this weekend.

Verstappen's teammate Sergio Perez was unable to follow up his maiden pole position gained in Saudi Arabia last time, but the Mexican has been right on the Dutchman's pace all weekend.

After a two-week break since the first race we have seen some evidence that teams are starting to develop their cars.

McLaren struggled in the two Middle Eastern races but look to have made significant progress with Lando Norris qualifying a superb fourth. Daniel Ricciardo, racing in front of his home crowd for the first time in three years, will also be feeling better about his form as he lines up seventh.

The McLarens sandwich Mercedes drivers Lewis Hamilton and George Russell on the grid, as the dominant team of recent years continues to struggle.

F1's two Spanish drivers Fernando Alonso and Carlos Sainz start out of position in ninth and tenth.

Alonso felt he was capable of fighting for pole as Alpine have clearly made a step since the last race. However, early in Q3 he suffered a hydraulic failure while on a super-fast lap.

With that kind of pace though, he should have a fair chance of beating the McLarens and Mercedes in the race and backing the double world champion to end up in the top six should provide some entertainment.

Qualifying was halted while Alonso's car was recovered, which had the knock-on effect of ruining Sainz's session.

The Ferrari driver needs to start taking some points off his teammate Leclerc if he is to keep himself in title contention.

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