Max Verstappen says he is hoping he can end Red Bull’s win drought at Albert Park, with the team’s last victory at the track coming in 2011.
Red Bull has dominated the opening rounds of the 2023 campaign, cruising to wins in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia.
It is the heavy favourite ahead of the upcoming race in Melbourne as it displayed a strong advantage over the rest of the field at the first two grands prix.
Verstappen retired from the race in Melbourne last year due to a fuel issue, but he is hoping that he can take to the top step of the podium this time around.
“I’m looking forward to going to Australia again, it’s always nice to be there and experience Melbourne a little,” Verstappen said.
“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.”
Red Bull’s last Melbourne victory came through the hands of Sebastian Vettel, who commenced his dominant 2011 title-winning season in style, winning by over 20 seconds ahead of Lewis Hamilton.
Verstappen’s team-mate Sergio Perez enters the weekend as the most recent race winner, taking the win last time out in Jeddah.
With an early-season win under his belt, Perez is targeting continuing his momentum as he looks to take the lead of the F1 championship for the first time in his career.
“I was massively proud of the team and our performance in Jeddah,” Perez said. “I had a complete weekend and that was one of my aims this season, to be consistent across all three days.
“But we are only two races into the season and have to keep pushing to make sure we continue this great start to the season.
“Bahrain and Saudi are very different tracks to each other and Australia will be another challenge for us and this car.
“We have great pace and are working so hard together to make sure our reliability is there too. It’s been a fun start to 2023 but that won’t matter if we don’t maintain our high level.”
