Australia 1996
Round 1 • March 10, 1996
Circuit
Melbourne
Watch
The 1996 season opener in Melbourne marks a new era as reigning champion Michael Schumacher switches teams, setting the stage for fierce rivalries and fresh opportunities. Amidst a backdrop of high expectations and pressure, the race delivers unexpected drama with debutant Jacques Villeneuve challenging seasoned drivers for the spotlight. As tensions rise on and off the track, strategies unravel and shock twists keep viewers on the edge of their seats.
| Pos | Driver | Time/Gap | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Damon Hill | 1:32:50.491 | 10 |
| 2 | Jacques Villeneuve | +38.020 | 6 |
| 3 | Eddie Irvine | +1:02.571 | 4 |
| 4 | Gerhard Berger | +1:17.037 | 3 |
| 5 | Mika Hakkinen | +1:35.071 | 2 |
| 6 | Mika Salo | +1 lap | 1 |
| 7 | Olivier Panis | +1 lap | 0 |
| 8 | Heinz Harald Frentzen | +1 lap | 0 |
| 9 | Ricardo Rosset | +2 laps | 0 |
| 10 | Pedro Diniz | +2 laps | 0 |
| 11 | Ukyo Katayama | +3 laps | 0 |
| Pos | Driver | Q1 | Q2 | Q3 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Jacques Villeneuve | - | - | - |
| 2 | Damon Hill | - | - | - |
| 3 | Eddie Irvine | - | - | - |
| 4 | Michael Schumacher | - | - | - |
| 5 | Mika Hakkinen | - | - | - |
| 6 | Jean Alesi | - | - | - |
| 7 | Gerhard Berger | - | - | - |
| 8 | Rubens Barrichello | - | - | - |
| 9 | Heinz Harald Frentzen | - | - | - |
| 10 | Mika Salo | - | - | - |
| 11 | Olivier Panis | - | - | - |
| 12 | Jos Verstappen | - | - | - |
| 13 | David Coulthard | - | - | - |
| 14 | Johnny Herbert | - | - | - |
| 15 | Ukyo Katayama | - | - | - |
| 16 | Giancarlo Fisichella | - | - | - |
| 17 | Pedro Lamy | - | - | - |
| 18 | Ricardo Rosset | - | - | - |
| 19 | Martin Brundle | - | - | - |
| 20 | Pedro Diniz | - | - | - |