Lewis Hamilton has described the speed he is able to tackle Albert Park's high-speed corners as "crazy" and "insane".
The reigning champion began 2018 in dominant fashion, topping both Friday practice sessions. The gap between F1's leading three teams looks to be closer than in recent seasons with Max Verstappen ending FP2 just 0.127s behind Hamilton.
Hamilton singled out the fast left-right Turn 11, 12 chicane in the final sector at Albert Park as the section of track to highlight the impressive capabilities of modern F1 cars.
"So it felt a lot more normal," Hamilton replied when asked how the car felt in comparison to Barcelona. "But obviously the car is quicker here than it was last year, so it feels better everywhere. Turns 11 and 12 are just crazy! We are not even braking into that corner, it is insane! But we are going to get quicker and quicker through the weekend. Well if it does not rain."
Hamilton has no concerns over the rain forecasted for the rest of the weekend as traditionally Mercedes has been better suited to cooler temperatures, compared to Ferrari. which has excelled in warmer conditions.
"When it gets cooler it gets better. It gets easier. Usually when it gets hotter it has often in the past suited other teams, but we are all in a similar position. But tomorrow it is going to rain, as far as I am aware, and the same on Sunday, so I don't know if I have driven in the rain yet on these tyres, so it will be interesting. It can't be any worse than Barcelona, because that was a disaster."
Rolex Australian Grand Prix Schedule on ESPN Networks (all times Eastern)
Thur., March 22
Practice 1 9 p.m. ESPN3
Friday, March 23
Practice 2 1 a.m. ESPN3
Practice 3 10 p.m. ESPNEWS
Sat., March 24
Qualifying 2 a.m. ESPN2
Sun., March 25
On the Grid 12:30 a.m. ESPN2
Race 1 a.m. ESPN2
Race (encore) 11 a.m. ESPN2
Race (encore) 1 p.m. ESPNEWS
Race (encore) 9 p.m. ESPNEWS