1. The Front Runners

Although it was Williams’ Carlos Sainz who set the fastest time in the pre-season test, the general consensus was that reigning constructor’s champions McLaren have the best package heading into Melbourne.

There is no way to know where every car truly sits until we get to Saturday, the softs go on and the fuel comes out but eyes will be locked on to the Papaya squad to see if their advantage is truly as big as some are suggesting it might be.

Ferrari, Red Bull and Mercedes will be there or thereabouts too, as we look set for an enthralling season.

2. Lewis in Red

After over a year of waiting, we are only a few days away from seeing Lewis Hamilton don the scarlet of Ferrari in a competitive session after his bombshell move in the winter of last season.

For many, including Hamilton himself, this is a dream come true. Once the visor goes down though, things get serious, as with all the buildup a certain pressure must be on the Brits shoulders.

He’s up against one of the best around in Charles Leclerc and will need to be at the top of his game, particularly in qualifying, where he came up short against George Russell last season.

3. Rookies up and down

For six of the field, Sunday will mark the first time they line up for the opening Grand Prix of a season, many of which are already under pressure.

Lawson must deliver more than his predecessor Sergio Perez in the Red Bull, whilst Jack Doohan is already fighting to keep his seat with Franco Colapinto waiting in the wings.

Antonelli will be given time but will be expected to at least score points in a Mercedes that looked, in flashes, a top drawer machine in testing. Bearman also has time, but will no doubt be put under pressure by fellow Haas newcomer Esteban Ocon.

Isack Hadjar should be safe as long as he keeps his VCARB on track more often than not this year, with F2 title winner Gabriel Bortoleto perhaps the safest of the lot, driving a Sauber who have all eyes on next season.

They will all make mistakes this year, but if any can hit the ground running at Albert Park, it would do them the world of good.

4. Home Hero

Oscar Piastri will compete in his third Australian Grand Prix this weekend, eyeing up what none of his compatriots have managed before him, a win on home soil.

Last year he managed fourth, one place below his teammate and behind the Ferrari pair after Max Verstappen suffered a brake fire and subsequent retirement.

This year however, he’ll be in with a shot of the top step, if he can hold his nerve and use his blistering pace which he showed in the middle third of last season which saw him pick up his first two wins.

5. Rain in the air

As if the season opener wasn’t already enough of a challenge for all the teams and drivers, rain is forecast for the race on Sunday.

Adverse weather has thrown up some brilliant spectacles across these regulations so far, and could do so again as many attempt to adjust to new surroundings and cars at the season opener.

If the heavens do open, expect a frantic and chaotic opening few laps, especially into turn one which has been the scene of many opening lap incidents.