F1 Australian Grand Prix LIVE: UK start time, full schedule and how to follow as Verstappen seeks tenth consecutive win

The 2024 Formula One season has started the same way the 2023 one ended, with Max Verstappen dominating.

The Red Bull driver has won the opening two races in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia and will be seeking his tenth consecutive victory as the circuit arrives in Australia this week.

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It's early days, but the Dutchman looks on course to dominate again this term as he chases what would be his fourth title in a row.

What makes Verstappen and Red Bull's achievements more impressive is that they are still dealing with allegations against Christian Horner.

Elsewhere, Mercedes and Ferrari will hope a change in continent and conditions can see them close the gap on Red Bull.

Australian Grand Prix: Date and start time

After a change to a Thursday-Saturday race week in Saudi Arabia, things get back to normal this time for a Friday-Sunday Grand Prix.

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Official practice sessions one and two took place on Friday, March 22.

Practice session three and all of qualifying then took place on Saturday, March 23.

And Light's Out in Melbourne will be at 4am on Sunday, March 24.

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Australian Grand Prix: TV channel and live stream

The race weekend will be broadcast live on Sky Sports F1.

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Coverage of the race is scheduled to begin at 3am on Sunday.

Sky Sports customers can live stream this via the app using their mobile, tablet or computer devices.

You can also purchase a Sky Sports Day Pass from NowTV for £11.98 while Channel Four will broadcast highlights later in the day.

Graham Courtney will have updates from Australia live on talkSPORT. 

To tune in to talkSPORT or talkSPORT 2 through the website, click HERE for the live stream.

You can also listen via the talkSPORT app, on DAB digital radio, through your smart speaker and on 1089 or 1053 AM.

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Australian Grand Prix: Track details

The Melbourne Grand Prix Circuit is the second street circuit of the season and incorporates roads around the city's famous Albert Park.

It first held Australia's Grand Prix in 1996 and has been a consistent part of the schedule since.

Unlike Bahrain and Saudi Arabia, this race will take place during the day.

Again, it's one of the fastest tracks on the circuit and consists of 58 laps.

For spectators, Melbourne is one of the liveliest cities around, with plenty of bars and restaurants to occupy people over the weekend.

Plus, there are plenty of good places to watch the action dotted around the track.

Australian Grand Prix: Starting grid

1. Max Verstappen, Red Bull
2. Carlos Sainz, Ferrari
3. Lando Norris, McLaren
4. Charles Leclerc, Ferrari
5. Oscar Piastri, McLaren
6. Sergio Perez, Red Bull
7. George Russell, Mercedes
8. Yuki Tsunoda, RB
9. Lance Stroll, Aston Martin
10. Fernando Alonso, Aston Martin
11. Lewis Hamilton, Mercedes
12. Alex Albon, Williams
13. Valtteri Bottas, Kick Sauber
14. Kevin Magnussen, Haas
15. Esteban Ocon, Alpine  
16. Nico Hulkenberg, Haas
17. Pierre Gasly, Alpine
18. Daniel Ricciardo, RB
19. Zhou Guanyu, Kick Sauber

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Australian Grand Prix: Driver standings

1. Max Verstappen, Red Bull - 51
2. Sergio Perez, Red Bull - 36
3. Charles Leclerc, Ferrari - 28
4. George Russell, Mercedes - 18
5. Oscar Piastri, McLaren - 16
6. Carlos Sainz, Ferrari - 15 
7. Fernando Alonso, Aston Martin - 12
8. Lando Norris, McLaren - 12
9. Lewis Hamilton, Mercedes - 8
10. Oliver Bearman, Ferrari - 6
11. Nico Hulkenberg, Haas - 1
12. Lance Stroll, Aston Martin - 1 
13. Alex Albon, Williams - 0
14. Zhou Guanyu, Kick Sauber - 0 
15. Kevin Magnussen, Haas - 0 
16. Daniel Ricciardo, RB - 0
17. Esteban Ocon, Alpine - 0 
18. Yuki Tsunoda, RB - 0
19. Logan Sargeant, Williams - 0
20. Valtteri Bottas, Kick Sauber - 0
21. Pierre Gasly, Alpine - 0

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Australian Grand Prix: What has been said?

There are strong rumours that this will be Verstappen's final season as a Red Bull driver due to an ongoing battle behind the scenes.

And Mercedes team principal, Toto Wolff, has made it clear he wants the Dutchman driving his car next year, with Lewis Hamilton set to join Ferrari.

Wolff said: "Every team would love to take Max because he is the strongest driver, that’s logical!

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"But as I said, the driver will always try to be in the strongest car.

"That’s why we have to do our homework beforehand so that the car performs. So Mercedes could become a real alternative for Max."