The 2018 Australian Grand Prix opened the Formula One season, saw Vettel's 48th career win, and introduced the halo cockpit safety device to F1 racing.
Key Facts
- Race round
- 1st round of 2018 FIA F1 World Championship
- Vettel career wins
- 48th career victory
- Vettel podiums
- 100th podium appearance
- Hamilton poles at Australia
- 7 — a record for the event
- Australian GP history
- 83rd race in combined Australian GP history
- Halo device
- First race using official halo cockpit safety device
By the Numbers
Location
Cause → Event → Consequence
The 2018 FIA Formula One World Championship calendar designated Melbourne's Albert Park circuit as the season opener, continuing a tradition dating to 1996. Sebastian Vettel arrived as defending winner, while Ferrari and Mercedes prepared for another title battle. The FIA also mandated the halo cockpit protection device for all cars starting this season.
Held on 25 March 2018, the race saw Lewis Hamilton claim pole position — his record seventh in Australia — but Sebastian Vettel won for Ferrari, securing his 48th career victory and his 100th podium. Charles Leclerc made his Formula One debut for Sauber, and Sergey Sirotkin debuted for Williams before retiring after a plastic bag blocked his brake duct.
Vettel's victory gave Ferrari an early lead in the Constructors' Championship standings and boosted his own title campaign. The successful deployment of the halo device validated its introduction as a permanent safety measure in Formula One. The race also marked the beginning of Charles Leclerc's F1 career, which would later include multiple race victories.