Formula One returns down under for the 2024 Australian Grand Prix

Round 3 of the 2024 Formula One season gets underway as drivers make their way down under for one of the fastest courses on the calendar. The Australian Grand Prix kicks off Friday, March 22, and runs through Sunday, March 24, at the Melbourne Grand Prix Circuit in Melbourne, Australia, with practices, qualifiers and race day all broadcast live on ESPN [US]/ TSN [CA].

With a new season comes new challenges, and for the Visa Cash App RB Formula One team, formerly known as Red Bull Racing’s sister team, Alphatauri, expectations are certainly higher. RB Formula One made great steps forward in the off-season, including upgrades to the newly branded VCARB 01 front and rear suspension and a gearbox from Red Bull, with the hopes of making some significant progress on the grid.

Following the release of driver Nyck de Vries last summer, RB Formula One was able to provide 34-year-old Daniel Ricciardo the opportunity to make his return to F1, proving to be a solid choice with Ricciardo going on to earn the team’s best finish last year — a seventh at the Mexican Grand Prix.

The team looks to make big strides this season and with Round 3 about to get underway, Ricciardo is keeping expectations realistic with the hopes of reaching the top five a few times this calendar year — if all goes to plan.

“You have to aim high, but being in this sport for so long, you want to remain as realistic as possible as you don’t want to end up ultimately disappointed,” said Ricciardo, speaking to F1.com. “Top-five finishes should be the target, and if we get in that position, maybe some podiums present themselves. Of course, we want to win, but, you know ... I think we made steps last year, let’s make a few more steps.”