Formula One's most memorable Australian Grand Prix moments

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  • The Australian Grand Prix marks the start of the 2018 Formula One season and if previous editions of the race are anything to go by, there should be plenty of action to sink our teeth into.

    Here’s a look at some of the most memorable F1 moments from Down Under.

    Up, up and away – 2002

    Ralf Schumacher will always be remembered for this spectacular crash, producing some of the sport’s most iconic images.

    At the very first corner of the 2002 Australian GP, he drove his Williams BMW up the back of Rubens Barrichello’s Ferrari and – if only for a second – F1 took to the skies. A total of eight cars suffered in the melee.

    Ralf Schumacher gets airborne

    Ralf Schumacher gets airborne

    Brawn powers through – 2009

    Brawn were facing extinction after Honda’s decision to pull out but equipped with a Mercedes engine, they secured a memorable one-two in Melbourne.

    Jenson Button and Rubens Barrichello dominated in qualifying and made no mistake on race day to cap an emotional few months for their team. They went on to win the Championship.

    Jenson Button (C) celebrates with team-mate Rubens Barrichello (L)

    Jenson Button (C) celebrates with team-mate Rubens Barrichello (L)

    Fifth place makes the podium – 2002

    It was a debut to remember for Mark Webber as he stunned on home soil. Having survived the first corner melee, he battled Mika Salo through the end in a struggling Minardi to take fifth place after starting 18th on the grid.

    He was invited to the podium once the top three vacated it to receive the plaudits of the Melbourne crowd.

    Mark Webber (r) on debut

    Mark Webber (r) on debut

    End of an era – 1993

    The chequered flag at Adelaide in 1993 marked the end of an era. Alain Prost took second place to secure his fourth championship as he and Riccardo Patrese followed Nigel Mansell and Nelson Piquet into retirement.

    Ayrton Senna secured what was to be his last win before his tragic accident the following season.

    Alain Prost (l) and Ayrton Senna

    Alain Prost (r) and Ayrton Senna

    Controversy strikes – 1994

    With the Championship on the line, an enthralling duel between Michael Schumacher and Damon Hill was brought to an abrupt end.

    The German slid off the track before reappearing ahead of his counterpart, resulting in a clash at the following turn. Both cars suffered damage and retired, controversially handing Schumacher his first title.

    Damon Hill and Michael Schumacher do battle

    Damon Hill and Michael Schumacher do battle

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