2003 Australian Grand Prix

February 2021 F1 Australian Australia Albert_Lake_Park_Street_Circuit_in_Melbourne,_Australia.svg 9 March 2003 2002 Japanese Grand Prix 2003 Malaysian Grand Prix 1 16 2003 Foster's Australian Grand Prix Temporary street circuit Albert Park Circuit, Albert Park, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia 3.295 5.303 58 191.118 307.574 Damp at beginning, dry later, cloudy, mild 118,000F1 Racing. April 2003. Michael Schumacher Ferrari Germany 1:27.173 Kimi Räikkönen Finland McLaren-Mercedes 1:27.724 32 David Coulthard McLaren-Mercedes UK Juan Pablo Montoya Williams-BMW Colombia Kimi Räikkönen McLaren-Mercedes Finland AUS 2003 Australian GP http://chicanef1.com/racetit.pl?year=2003&gp=Australian%20GP&r=1 ChicaneF1 4 November 2025 https://web.archive.org/web/20131203161107/http://chicanef1.com/racetit.pl?year=2003&gp=Australian%20GP&r=1 3 December 20132003 Australian Grand Prix https://www.motorsportmagazine.com/database/races/2003-australian-grand-prix/ Motor Sport 4 November 20252003 Australian Grand Prix results http://en.espnf1.com/f1/motorsport/race/2086.html ESPN 4 November 2025 https://web.archive.org/web/20131024055618/http://en.espnf1.com/f1/motorsport/race/2086.html 24 October 2013 dead The 2003 Australian Grand Prix (formally the 2003 Foster's Australian Grand Prix)Australia https://www.formula1.com/en/results.html/2003/races/737/australia/race-result.html 9 November 2021 Formula1.com was a Formula One motor race held at the Albert Park Circuit, Albert Park, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia on 9 March 2003. It was the first round of the 2003 Formula One World Championship and the eighth World Championship Australian Grand Prix at Albert Park. McLaren's David Coulthard won the 58-lap race after starting in 11th position. Williams driver Juan Pablo Montoya finished in second and Coulthard's teammate Kimi Räikkönen took third. Ferrari's Michael Schumacher, the World Drivers' Champion, took pole position after setting the quickest lap time in the second qualifying session.The circuit was damp after an overnight rainstorm but quickly dried due to a strong wind. Schumacher led the race for six laps until a pit stop on lap seven to switch from wet to dry tyres. The lead changed seven times between four different drivers. Montoya led after the second round of pit stops, but lost first place and the race victory to Coulthard when he lost control of his car on lap 48. The safety car was deployed twice during the race, including an accident involving Ferrari driver Rubens Barrichello on lap six. The victory was the 13th and last of Coulthard's Formula One career and it meant he left Australia as the World Drivers' Championship leader with ten championship points. Montoya was two championship points behind in second, and Räikkönen was another two points back in third. McLaren led the World Constructors' Championship with 16 championship points while Williams were second with nine championship points with 15 races remaining in the season. Background left|thumb|The Albert Park Circuit (pictured in 2018), where the Grand Prix was held. The 2003 Australian Grand Prix took place at the 5.303 km (3.295 mi) Albert Park Circuit in Albert Park, Melbourne, Victoria on 9 March 2003; it was the first round of sixteen in the 2003 Formula One World Championship and the eighth staging of the World Championship Australian Grand Prix at Albert Park. The Carrera Cup, the Cleanevent Nations Cup, the Formula Ford Track Attack, the REV GT Kart Challenge and V8 Supercars held support races during the weekend.8 March 2003 2003 Australian Grand Prix: the Australian Grand Prix on Television The Advertiser 126 35584642618 November 2002 FAGP: New-look F1 2003 launches in Melbourne http://www.grandprix.com.au/cars03/news/news_story.asp?StoryID=968&ZoneID=1 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20030421015006fw_/http://www.grandprix.com.au/cars03/news/news_story.asp?StoryID=968&ZoneID=1 21 April 2003 8 November 2025 GrandPrix.com.au The track's mesh barriers were raised from 2.5 m ft on to 4.75 m ft on after marshal Graham Beveridge's death in an accident during the 2001 race.11 March 2003 Australian GP Boss Promises More Safety for 2004 https://www.atlasf1.com/news/2003/mar/report.php/id/9770/.html 5 November 2025 AtlasF1 Out of the 10 teams and 20 drivers on the starting grid,Allsop Derick 6 March 2003 Rivals face struggle to put the brake on Ferrari's roadshow https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-independent-rivals-face-struggle-t/184315601/ 4 November 2025 The Independent 28 Newspapers.com four drivers made their debut.6 March 2003 Countdown to F1 begins http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/motorsport/formula_one/2826771.stm 4 November 2025 BBC SportSchot Marcel 5 March 2003 Australian GP Facts, Stats and Memoirs https://www.atlasf1.com/2003/aus/preview/schot.html AtlasF1 9 10 4 November 2025 The 2002 CART FedEx Championship Series champion Cristiano da Matta joined the Toyota team alongside Olivier Panis.4 March 2003 Drivers to Watch https://www.espn.com/rpm/f1/2003/0304/1517917.html 4 November 2025 ESPN The two replaced Toyota's 2002 lineup of Allan McNish, who moved to Renault as third driver and Mika Salo, who left Formula One.2 January 2003 Andersson explains driver decision https://au.motorsport.com/f1/news/andersson-explains-driver-decision/1012067/ 4 November 2025 Motorsport.comScarborough Craig 5 March 2003 2003 Australian GP Preview https://www.atlasf1.com/2003/aus/preview/scarborough.html 9 10 4 November 2025 AtlasF1 At the Minardi team, 2001 International Formula 3000 champion Justin Wilson joined Jos Verstappen, who rejoined the series after a one-year absence. The third rookie driver in the 2003 driver lineup was Antônio Pizzonia, who joined Jaguar to partner former Minardi racer Mark Webber; both replaced Eddie Irvine and Pedro de la Rosa.Krupka Peter Bitneris Jason 8 March 2003 Australian Grand Prix Weekend Australian 46 356597754 The last rookie competitor was Formula Nippon driver Ralph Firman, who replaced Takuma Sato at Jordan.13 February 2003 Firman thrilled with Jordan role http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/motorsport/formula_one/2724175.stm 4 November 2025 BBC Sport At the front of the field, many were tipping Ferrari driver and five-time world champion Michael Schumacher as the favourite to win the 2003 World Drivers' Championship.Legard Jonathan Jonathan Legard 29 December 2002 Formula One: 2003 predictions http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/motorsport/formula_one/2601389.stm 4 November 2025 BBC Sport18 November 2002 Schumacher in favourite to win shock https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/schumacher-in-favourite-to-win-shock-5034926/5034926/ 4 November 2025 Autosport Bookmakers in Australia and the United Kingdom installed Michael Schumacher as the favourite to win the Australian Grand Prix for the fourth consecutive time.Loughran Angus 8 March 2003 For the better... - Motor Racing https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-daily-telegraph-for-the-better/184297910/ 4 November 2025 The Daily Telegraph S9 Newspapers.comPhillips Shaun Warner Michael 6 March 2003 Cathy gets the checkered flag https://link.gale.com/apps/doc/A98364980/GPS?u=wikipedia&sid=bookmark-GPS&xid=8c8d0216 subscription 4 November 2025 Herald Sun 003 Gale OneFile: News He said he was expecting other teams to perform better than the season before, "It will automatically become harder because other teams hadn't done a great job last year, and I am pretty sure they will do a much better job this year and therefore competition will become harder."6 March 2003 Schumacher Expecting Harder Competition https://www.atlasf1.com/news/2003/mar/report.php/id/9663/.html 4 November 2025 AtlasF1 Nigel Mansell, the 1992 world champion, said Schumacher's high level of talent combined with his strong desire to succeed, would make him quite difficult to beat. The Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA; Formula One's governing body) president Max Mosley with Formula One head Bernie Ecclestone's support imposed sporting regulation changes in an attempt to reduce costs in Formula One, make the series more competitive, and stem the decline in television viewing figures.5 March 2003 F1 season opens with new rules https://www.espn.com/rpm/f1/2003/0305/1518772.html 4 November 2025 ESPN Associated PressBaldwin Alan 3 March 2003 Schumacher leads F1 into unknown https://www.rediff.com/sports/2003/mar/03schu.htm 4 November 2025 Rediff.com Reuters The championship points system was expanded to include the first eight finishers to try and keep the title battle open for as long as possible and to reward consistency.28 October 2002 F1 rejects radical change http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/motorsport/formula_one/2365685.stm 4 November 2025 BBC Sport For the first time since 1995, qualifying was separated into two one-hour sessions, conducted on Fridays and Saturdays, with cars running one at a time for one quick lap. Drivers had to start the race with their second qualifying session fuel loads and tyres.Eason Kevin 8 March 2003 What's in, What's out; Motor racing https://link.gale.com/apps/doc/A98683595/GPS?u=wikipedia&sid=bookmark-GPS&xid=8b1afdaf subscription 5 November 2025 The Times 4 Gale Academic OneFile The Sunday morning warm-up session for teams to fine-tune their vehicle settings was ended and cars were placed under parc fermé conditions, preventing significant changes to cars or refuelling between Saturday qualifying and the race.Cameron David 5 March 2003 Guide to the Perplexed: The 2003 Formula One Changes https://www.atlasf1.com/2003/aus/preview/cameron.html 9 10 4 November 2025 AtlasF121 February 2003 F1 loses Sunday warm-up http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/motorsport/formula_one/2788129.stm 4 November 2025 BBC SportBaker Andrew 6 March 2003 Quest for winning formula https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-daily-telegraph-quest-for-winning-fo/184313850/ 4 November 2025 The Daily Telegraph S6 Newspapers.com On Friday morning, a two-hour test session was held for teams that agreed to limit their in-season testing programmes, and team orders that affected race results were prohibited. Spare cars could only be used if Formula One technical delegate Charlie Whiting was convinced a damaged chassis was irreparable in parc fermé; drivers who did use spare cars would be required to start the race from the pit lane. Both Ferrari and McLaren delayed the debut of their new car, with Ferrari introducing a redesigned version called the F2002B and McLaren introducing the drastically altered MP4-17D, which included a completely new rear end and several aerodynamic changes to both the front and rear.Piola Giorgio 11–17 March 2003 Si spiegano le ali They spread their wings Autosprint it Giorgio Piola 10 Among these was the adoption of revised rear wing profiles that were no longer rectangular but rounded at the ends, a solution introduced by Renault in the 2002 season to limit vortice formation, which was copied by British American Racing (BAR), Williams and Jaguar. The new Williams FW25 differed significantly from the car used in winter testing. The gearbox and rear suspension used in testing on the hybrid variants of the FW24 car were installed, while the solution planned for the FW25 was temporarily discarded. Renault used Friday morning's private test session to evaluate various methods for cooling the R23 car's body and aerodynamics, eventually choosing for a solution that included a chimney on the car's right side, where the oil radiator was. Private test session The first two-hour private test session was held on Friday morning in sunny weather.Collings Timothy 6 March 2003 Trulli Quickest in Friday Morning Testing – Australia https://www.atlasf1.com/news/2003/mar/report.php/id/9677/.html 5 November 2025 AtlasF17 March 2003 Private testing: Trulli sets early pace https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/private-testing-trulli-sets-early-pace-5031240/5031240/ 5 November 2025 Autosport Although the track surface gave minimal grip for cars, there were small offs into the grass but no one spun. Nine drivers participated in the session.7 March 2003 Firday Testing: Trulli sets pace http://www.f1racing.net/en/news.php?newsID=42645 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20050324122439/http://www.f1racing.net/en/news.php?newsID=42645 24 March 2005 5 November 2025 F1Racing.net Renault driver Jarno Trulli was fastest with a lap time of 1:28.125, ahead of Webber and Jordan's Giancarlo Fisichella; all three drivers were within one-tenth of a second of each other. Practice and warm-up sessions There were three practice sessions preceding Sunday's race: one 60-minute session on Friday and two 45-minute sessions on Saturday.https://archive.org/details/formula1yearbook0000unse_x6v8 Formula 1 Yearbook 2003–04 Parragon 2003 978-1-4054-2089-1 Domenjoz Luc Bath, Somerset 220–221 Sporting regulations registration Internet Archive The first practice session was held on Friday morning in dry and hot weather.Muradov Boris April 2003 Гран При Австралии Приятная Неожиданность Australian Grand Prix: A Pleasant Surprise https://porschecarshistory.com/wp-content/old/lib/magazines/formula/2003/2003_04.pdf Formula 1 Magazine ru 4 20–30 6 November 2025Collings Timothy 7 March 2003 McLaren on Top in Friday Free Practice – Australia https://www.atlasf1.com/news/2003/mar/report.php/id/9678/.html 6 November 2025 AtlasF1 McLaren's Kimi Räikkönen set the fastest lap of 1:26.509 with five minutes remaining, 0.479 seconds ahead of teammate David Coulthard.7 March 2003 Free practice 1: Kimi leads McLaren 1-2 https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/free-practice-1-kimi-leads-mclaren-1-2-5031233/5031233/ 6 November 2025 Autosport Trulli, Ferrari's Rubens Barrichello, Webber, Michael Schumacher, Renault's Fernando Alonso, Sauber's Nick Heidfeld, and the Williams duo of Juan Pablo Montoya and Ralf Schumacher followed in the top ten. Several drivers went off the track during the session. The engine in Jacques Villeneuve's BAR car failed 11 minutes in and he pulled off with fire licking the cockpit. His teammate Jenson Button also had an engine failure while Fisichella's fuel pump failed. thumb|right|upright|Jarno Trulli (pictured in 2007) set the pace in the Saturday morning practice sessions. The second practice session was held on Saturday morning.7 March 2003 Free practice 2: Button fastest for BAR https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/free-practice-2-button-fastest-for-bar-5031187/5031187/ 6 November 2025 Autosport The track was slick and dirty from overnight rainstorms,Collings Timothy 7 March 2003 Saturday First Free Practice – Australian GP https://www.atlasf1.com/news/2003/mar/report.php/id/9705/.html 6 November 2025 AtlasF1 but it dried quickly. Button lapped fastest at 1:27.415 towards the conclusion of the session, going almost two-tenths of a second faster than second-placed Barrichello. Ralf Schumacher, Michael Schumacher, Trulli, Coulthard, Montoya, Alonso, Webber and Villeneuve rounded out the top ten. Montoya's oil valve malfunctioned, leaking oil into the airbox and emitting smoke.8 March 2003 Free Practice sessions http://www.fia.com/PRESSE/F1-GP-2003/australie/news2.htm dead https://web.archive.org/web/20030626035549/http://www.fia.com/PRESSE/F1-GP-2003/australie/news2.htm 26 June 2003 6 November 2025 Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile His engine was not replaced because it was undamaged. Michael Schumacher lost control of his Ferrari in Ascari corner, removing the nose cone and left-front wheel against the barrier. Pizzonia experienced a braking issue and spun backwards at turn three near the sports centre. He returned to the garage and exited his car unhurt.8 March 2003 Button fastest as Schumacher crashes http://www.f1racing.net/news.php?ID=54854 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20040124081512/http://www.f1racing.net/news.php?ID=54854 24 January 2004 6 November 2025 F1Racing.net With ten minutes left, Räikkönen lost control of his McLaren at the fast right-hand Whiteford corner, severely damaging the car's left-front corner. Räikkönen was unhurt, but officials stopped practice for nine minutes as marshals secured his damaged car on the grass verge. Villeneuve stopped at the end of the session with an hydraulic system mechanical issue. The final practice session was held later that morning in cool, cloudy weather, with the majority of teams experimenting with fuel loads and car settings in preparation for the second qualifying session that afternoon.Collings Timothy 8 March 2003 Saturday Second Free Practice – Australian GP https://www.atlasf1.com/news/2003/mar/report.php/id/9706/.html 6 November 2025 AtlasF18 March 2003 Free practice 3: Trulli quickest https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/free-practice-3-trulli-quickest-5031174/5031174/ 6 November 2025 Autosport Räikkönen sat out the session as McLaren were working on his car,8 March 2003 Trulli fastest ahead of Qualifying http://www.f1racing.net/en/news.php?newsID=42718 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20050324122601/http://www.f1racing.net/en/news.php?newsID=42718 24 March 2005 6 November 2025 F1Racing.net while Michael Schumacher's Ferrari was repaired.8 March 2003 Trulli leads Button in Saturday practice http://www.formula1.com/race/news/111/2.html dead https://web.archive.org/web/20040812201059/http://www.formula1.com/race/news/111/2.html 12 August 2004 6 November 2025 Formula1.com Trulli was fastest with a 1:26.928 lap set with five minutes remaining. Button's fastest time remained unchanged, dropping to second. Alonso, the Ferrari duo of Michael Schumacher and Barrichello, the Williams pair of Montoya and Ralf Schumacher, Heidfeld, Couthard and Da Matta completed the top ten. Coulthard had a right-rear puncture and returned slowly to the pit lane before experiencing a fuel pump failure upon entry. A 15-minute warm-up session saw Barrichello lap fastest at 1:27.738, followed by teammate Michael Schumacher, the Renaults of Alonso and Trulli, Coulthard, Villeneuve, Ralf Schumacher, Räikkönen, Button and Panis.8 March 2003 Saturday Warm Up Times – Australian GP https://www.atlasf1.com/news/2003/mar/report.php/id/9707/.html 6 November 2025 AtlasF1 Qualifying thumb|left|upright|Rubens Barrichello (pictured in 2002) was the fastest driver in the first qualifying session There were two one-hour qualifying sessions on both Friday and Saturday afternoons. The final 2002 World Drivers' Championship standings determined the running order for the first session (first to last), with the second session's running order reversed from the results of the first session (slowest to quickest). In each session, each driver recorded one timed lap with no other cars on track, and the starting order was determined by the quickest laps in the second session. The first qualifying session took place in cloudy but warm weather.Collings Timothy 7 March 2003 Barrichello Fastest in First Qualifying – Australia https://www.atlasf1.com/news/2003/mar/report.php/id/9680/.html 11 November 2025 AtlasF17 March 2003 Barrichello leads Friday Qualifying http://www.f1racing.net/en/news.php?newsID=42659 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20050324122455/http://www.f1racing.net/en/news.php?newsID=42659 24 March 2005 11 November 2025 F1Racing.net Barrichello was the second driver to set a lap and was fastest at 1:26.372.Lowe Alex 7 March 2003 Barrichello looking out https://www.newspapers.com/article/lancashire-telegraph-barrichello-looking/184737987/ 11 November 2025 Lancashire Telegraph 43 Newspapers.com Press Association Räikkönen ran wide at the first corner and was second,7 March 2003 Free practice and Qualifying session http://www.fia.com/PRESSE/F1-GP-2003/australie/news1.htm dead https://web.archive.org/web/20030905173219/http://www.fia.com/PRESSE/F1-GP-2003/australie/news1.htm 5 September 2003 11 November 2025 Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile7 March 2003 Australian GP – Friday – Qualifying report – Ferrari ahead but McLaren and BAR impress http://www.grandprix.com/race/r698fqreport.html dead https://web.archive.org/web/20030921080651/http://www.grandprix.com/race/r698fqreport.html 21 September 2003 11 November 2025 GrandPrix.com 0.179 seconds slower than Barrichello.Gover Paul 8 March 2003 Red-hot Rubens Herald Sun 35 360466645 Villeneuve drove the spare BAR car after his engine failed in the first practice session, claiming third with a clean lap that set the session's final sub-1:27 lap. He had no time to locate his racing setup and was unfamiliar with the racing line and braking points after lacking driving time.Scarborough Craig Technical Review: 2003 Australian GP https://www.atlasf1.com/2003/aus/scarborough.html AtlasF1 9 11 12 March 2003 28 November 2025 Michael Schumacher was the first to set a lap and took fourth, having run on dirt from the circuit for other drivers, slowing him.7 March 2003 Australian Grand Prix Notebook – Friday http://speedtv.com/articles/auto/formulaone/5406/ dead https://web.archive.org/web/20030416220341/http://speedtv.com/articles/auto/formulaone/5406/ 16 April 2003 11 November 2025 Speed Button was third but was demoted to fifth by his teammate Villeneuve following a slow middle sector, overrunning turn one slightly, and understeering at the final turn.7 March 2003 First qualifying: Barrichello on top https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/first-qualifying-barrichello-on-top-5031235/5031235/ 11 November 2025 Autosport Coulthard ran a mistake-free lap to go sixth despite an unbalanced car. Alonso took seventh after braking too deeply for turn three in the first sector, losing momentum. Panis took eighth after losing time to understeer at turn one. He was marginally faster than Trulli in ninth. Montoya lacked speed,Tremayne David 8 March 2003 New rules add air of mystery https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-independent-new-rules-add-air-of-mys/184738009/ 11 November 2025 The Independent 12 Newspapers.com David Tremayne ran conservatively and went 10th despite losing time in some corners. Da Matta missed a braking point, ran wide into the final set of corners, and took 11th. Heidfeld made some driver errors en route to 12th. His Sauber teammate Heinz-Harald Frentzen drove the spare car but lost time after running wide in turn four, taking 13th. Fisichella, 14th, had some graining on his front tyres, meaning his car behaved inconsistently for the final part of the lap. Webber almost lost control of his Jaguar through the first two turns and drove uncleanly for 15th. Ralf Schumacher ran wide and into the grass at turn one after pushing too hard, claiming 16th as his car understeered significantly in slow-speed turns. Firman, 17th, understeered into the turn 13 gravel trap, and his rear wheels slewed but rejoined the circuit.Battersby Kate 7 March 2003 Grand Prix's new rules fail first road test https://www.newspapers.com/article/evening-standard-gps-new-rules-fail-fir/184737997/ 11 November 2025 Evening Standard 76 Newspapers.com The understeer increased towards the end of the lap as the tyres wore. Verstappen was 18th and his car stopped after completing his lap due to a minor technical fault. Pizzonia, 19th, had understeer, locked the brakes and mounted the kerbing. Wilson's initial throttle troubles were cured by his quick lap. He was 20th, finding driving a car with a light fuel load was a major difference but was the slowest driver in the field. thumb|right|upright|Michael Schumacher (pictured in 2005) qualified on pole position for the 51st time in his career with the fastest lap time in the second qualifying session. The second qualifying session was held in warm, sunny weather with patchy clouds.8 March 2003 Warm Up and Qualifying sessions http://www.fia.com/PRESSE/F1-GP-2003/australie/news3.htm dead https://web.archive.org/web/20031021084232/http://www.fia.com/PRESSE/F1-GP-2003/australie/news3.htm 21 October 2003 12 November 2025 Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile8 March 2003 Schumacher on pole http://www.f1racing.net/en/news.php?newsID=42730 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20050324122617/http://www.f1racing.net/en/news.php?newsID=42730 24 March 2005 12 November 2025 F1Racing.net An hour before the session began, light rain fell, although the circuit was dry.9 March 2003 Same old story: Schumi grabs pole position https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-gazette-same-old-story-schumi-grabs/184746690/ 12 November 2025 Montreal Gazette C1 Newspapers.com Associated Press Following his practice session crash,Elizalde Pablo The 2003 Australian GP Review https://www.atlasf1.com/2003/aus/elizalde.html AtlasF1 9 11 12 March 2003 28 November 2025 Michael Schumacher copied his teammate Barrichello's setup, Australian GP – Saturday – Qualifying report – A bad day for Michael http://www.grandprix.com/race/r698sqreport.html dead https://web.archive.org/web/20030922084753/http://www.grandprix.com/race/r698sqreport.html 22 September 2003 12 November 2025 GrandPrix.com taking the 51st pole position of his career with a lap time of 1:27.173.Collings Timothy 8 March 2003 Schumacher on Pole – Australian GP https://www.atlasf1.com/news/2003/mar/report.php/id/9708/.html 12 November 2025 AtlasF1 His teammate Barrichello was 0.245 seconds slower in second.Lowe Alex 9 March 2003 Schuey thanks his pal for pole https://www.newspapers.com/article/yorkshire-sports-schuey-thanks-his-pal-f/184755208/ 12 November 2025 Telegraph & Argus 24 Newspapers.com Press Association He was distracted by debris from Räikkönen's left-rear tyre in turn six,Lynch Michael 9 March 2003 Grid lock, like old times Grand Prix The Sunday Age 3 367269593 forcing him to pass him in the second sector. Although his warm-up lap was slow,9 March 2003 Schumacher on pole for Australian GP https://au.motorsport.com/f1/news/schumacher-on-pole-for-australian-gp/1023147/ 13 November 2025 Motorsport.com Montoya lost some time at turn one after a racing setup change and took third. Frentzen qualified fourth in a more balanced car despite an error at the second chicane. Panis, fifth, appeared to be stable and fuel-heavy.8 March 2003 Qualifying: Schumacher heads Ferrari 1-2 https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/qualifying-schumacher-heads-ferrari-1-2-5031177/5031177/ 12 November 2025 Autosport Although he ran wide onto dust, Villeneuve took sixth, the faster BAR driver.9 March 2003 Villeneuve secures sixth on grid https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-province-villeneuve-secures-sixth-on/184754763/ 12 November 2025 The Province A52 Newspapers.com He ran wide, lost control of his car at turn four, and the traction control system cut in heavily leaving turns. Heidfeld said he pushed his car to the limit without going off the track, taking seventh. Button's car became twitchy when the wind intensified during the warm-up session, leaving him eighth. Ralf Schumacher was the slower Williams driver in ninth. He lost time running slightly wide at turn one due to poor track conditions. Alonso, 10th, lost control of the rear of his Renault between turns nine and 10. Coulthard, 11th, ran slightly wide at turn one and did not recover. Trulli appeared to run a heavy fuel load and was 12th after heavy understeer. Fisichella was the faster Jordan driver in 13th.Hamilton Maurice 9 March 2003 Ferrari foil winds of change https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-observer-ferrari-foil-winds-of-chang/184746620/ 12 November 2025 The Observer 11 Newspapers.com Webber made an error at the first corner and was 14th. Räikkönen drove the spare car to 15th.Mossop James 9 March 2003 Schumacher quick off mark https://www.newspapers.com/article/sunday-telegraph-schumacher-quick-off-ma/184746653/ 12 November 2025 The Sunday Telegraph Sport 9 Newspapers.com He pushed too hard and put a wheel onto the grass towards the end of his quick lap, damaging his left-rear tyre, which burst on the cool-down lap. Da Matta missed the warm-up session due to a clutch issue and was 16th. Firman took 17th with a minor understeer. Pizzonia was the final driver to set a lap, qualifying 18th after running wide at turn five. After reviewing the team's strategy with the FIA, Minardi owner Paul Stoddart instructed his drivers Verstappen and Wilson to complete their fast laps early and enter the pit lane to avoid being impounded under the closed parc fermé regime.8 March 2003 Minardi aborts qualifying in bold move https://www.abc.net.au/news/2003-03-08/minardi-aborts-qualifying-in-bold-move/1814088 12 November 2025 ABC News This allowed Minardi's mechanics to work on the cars; Verstappen and Wilson were both allowed to start the race due to their lap times in the first qualifying session. Qualifying classification Pos Position No. Car number Driver Constructor Q1 Time Fastest lap time set by each driver in the first qualifying session Q2 Time Fastest lap time set by each driver in the second qualifying session Gap Gap to the fastest driver Grid Final grid position 1 1Germany Michael Schumacher Ferrari 1:27.1031:27.173 — 1 2 2Brazil Rubens Barrichello Ferrari 1:26.372 1:27.418 +0.245 2 3 3Colombia Juan Pablo Montoya Williams-BMW 1:27.450 1:28.101 +0.928 3 4 10Germany Heinz-Harald Frentzen Sauber-Petronas 1:27.563 1:28.274 +1.101 4 5 20France Olivier Panis Toyota 1:27.352 1:28.288 +1.115 5 6 16Canada Jacques Villeneuve BAR-Honda 1:26.832 1:28.420 +1.247 6 7 9Germany Nick Heidfeld Sauber-Petronas 1:27.510 1:28.464 +1.291 7 8 17UK Jenson Button BAR-Honda 1:27.159 1:28.682 +1.509 8 9 4Germany Ralf Schumacher Williams-BMW 1:28.266 1:28.830 +1.657 9 10 8Spain Fernando Alonso Renault 1:27.255 1:28.928 +1.755 10 11 5UK David Coulthard McLaren-Mercedes 1:27.242 1:29.105 +1.932 11 12 7Italy Jarno Trulli Renault 1:27.411 1:29.136 +1.963 12 13 11Italy Giancarlo Fisichella Jordan-Ford 1:27.633 1:29.344 +2.171 13 14 14Australia Mark Webber Jaguar-Cosworth 1:27.675 1:29.367 +2.194 14 15 6Finland Kimi Räikkönen McLaren-Mercedes 1:26.551 1:29.470 +2.297 15 16 21Brazil Cristiano da Matta Toyota 1:27.478 1:29.538 +2.365 16 17 12Ireland Ralph Firman Jordan-Ford 1:29.977 1:31.242 +4.069 17 18 15 Brazil Antônio Pizzonia Jaguar-Cosworth 1:30.092 1:31.723 +4.550 18 19 19Netherlands Jos Verstappen Minardi-Cosworth 1:30.053No time1 1 — 19 20 18UK Justin Wilson Minardi-Cosworth 1:30.479No time1 1 — 20Sources:2003 Foster's Australian Grand Prix – Qualifying 1 https://www.formula1.com/en/results/2003/races/737/australia/qualifying/1 Formula1.com 12 November 20252003 Foster's Australian Grand Prix – Qualifying 2 https://www.formula1.com/en/results/2003/races/737/australia/qualifying/2 Formula1.com 12 November 20252003 Australian Grand Prix Classification Grid https://motorsportstats.com/results/fia-formula-one-world-championship/2003/australian-grand-prix/classification/grid Motorsport Stats 12 November 2025 Notes 1 1 – Jos Verstappen and Justin Wilson did not set a lap time in the second session, in order to avoid the parc fermé regime. Race thumb|left|upright|Kimi Räikkönen (pictured in 2002) finished in third after entering the pit lane at the end of the formation lap. The race took place in overcast conditions in the afternoon from 14:00 local time.Eason Kevin 10 March 2003 Coulthard laps up victory from slow lane https://link.gale.com/apps/doc/A98580989/GPS?u=wikipedia&sid=bookmark-GPS&xid=17135a0a subscription 11 April 2026 The Times 38 Gale Academic OneFile There were 116,700 spectators, 10,000 fewer than the previous year and the lowest since 1998.Phillips Shaun 10 March 2003 Playboy nails sweet victory Herald Sun 3 360468555 It rained heavily before the race due to an overnight thunderstorm,Elson James 29 March 2023 F1's greatest opening race? Coulthard's '03 Australian GP win https://www.motorsportmagazine.com/articles/single-seaters/f1/f1s-greatest-opening-race-coulthards-03-australian-gp-win/ 2 December 2025 Motor Sport but it ceased around 15 minutes before the start.9 March 2003 Australian GP: As it happened http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/motorsport/formula_one/2833603.stm 2 December 2025 BBC Sport This dampened the track slightly but a strong wind was causing it to dry up.Elson James 14 March 2020 Drama in Melbourne — on track: the rip-roaring 2003 Australian Grand Prix https://www.motorsportmagazine.com/articles/single-seaters/f1/drama-in-melbourne-on-track-the-rip-roaring-2003-australian-grand-prix/ 2 December 2025 Motor Sport10 March 2003 Michelin's monopoly milestone https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/michelins-monopoly-milestone-5031036/5031036/ 4 December 2025 Autosport The air temperature was 17 to 19 C F and the asphalt temperature was between 18 to 26 C F. During the installation period, Verstappen began the race from the pit lane in the spare Minardi car setup for teammate Wilson because his race car had developed an oil leak.Grand Prix Results: Australian GP, 2003 http://www.grandprix.com/gpe/rr698.html dead https://web.archive.org/web/20030408181630/http://www.grandprix.com/gpe/rr698.html 8 April 2003 2 December 2025 GrandPrix.com Although most drivers started on intermediate tyres, Montoya and Panis had dry grooved tyres.9 March 2003 Australian GP 2003 – Errors hand DC Oz win http://www.crash.net/uk/en/feature_view.asp?cid=1&fid=2694 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20030918024429/http://www.crash.net/uk/en/feature_view.asp?cid=1&fid=2694 18 September 2003 3 December 2025 Crash At the end of the formation lap,9 March 2003 Coulthard wins exciting Australian Grand Prix http://www.f1racing.net/en/news.php?newsID=42774 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20050324122701/http://www.f1racing.net/en/news.php?newsID=42774 24 March 2005 3 December 2025 F1Racing.net Räikkönen was called into the pit lane by McLaren for dry tyres and fuel. It came after the McLaren drivers reported that the circuit was drier than expected. When the five red lights went out to begin the race, Michael Schumacher retained his race lead over teammate Barrichello, who jumped the start, as the entire field entered turn one without incident.2003 : Melbourne – Coulthard wins down under! http://f1.racing-live.com/en/index.html dead https://web.archive.org/web/20030801080525/http://f1.racing-live.com/en/index.html 1 August 2003 3 December 2025 F1-Live.com 2003 : Melbourne (Race Commentary) http://f1.racing-live.com/en/index.html dead https://web.archive.org/web/20030801080525/http://f1.racing-live.com/en/index.html 1 August 2003 3 December 2025 F1-Live.com Panis moved into fourth at turn one, but he dropped seven positions from his starting position as cars on wet tyres were faster. Heidfeld advanced from fifth to third by the end of the first lap, passing Montoya at Ascari, while Wilson gained six spots in the same distance. At the end of the first lap, Michael Schumacher was 1.5 seconds ahead of teammate Barrichello. Heidfeld was 5.8 seconds behind, ahead of Montoya, Frentzen, Button, Villeneuve and Alonso. The two Ferrari drivers pulled away from the rest of the field. According to Crash.net, it was clear that the dry compound tyres would need some time to reach their peak performance, but by the end of lap two, they would be the preferred tyre for the rest of the race. On lap three, Montoya overtook Heidfeld on the start/finish straight for third. McLaren summoned Coulthard to the pit lane for fuel and dry tyres, dropping to the back of the field. On the same lap, Frentzen passed teammate Heidfeld for fourth while Alonso overtook the two BAR drivers for sixth. Montoya started closing in on the Ferrari drivers from lap four. The asphalt was drying quickly,9 March 2003 Coulthard wins pulsating opener https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/coulthard-wins-pulsating-opener-5031132/5031132/ 3 December 2025 Autosport and the intermediate tyres' advantage was diminishing. On lap five, Alonso passed Heidleld near the golf course for fifth and Frentzen at Jones corner for fourth. Barrichello's jump start was ruled to be illegal and he received a drive-through penalty on lap five. The following lap, Barrichello's wet tyres lost traction, and he lost control of his Ferrari's rear. At Whiteford corner, he spun backwards into the tyre barrier, damaging the front-left wheel, which went below the nose cone and rear wing. Debris and dirt was scattered across the circuit. Firman in eighth lost control of his car going through Barrichello's debris on lap seven, crashing into the Whiteford turn tyre barrier. Michael Schumacher entered the pit lane for dry tyres on the same lap. His stop was slow because mechanics had trouble fitting the left-rear tyre, dropping him to tenth. Montoya now led, followed by Alonso and Trulli. On lap eight, Da Matta spun into the turn three gravel trap and retired while attempting to pass both Michael Schumacher and Pizzonia on the inside. The safety car was deployed on lap nine to close the field and allow marshals to clear debris left by Barrichello and Firman on the track.Tremayne David 10 March 2003 Couthard the sharpest amid cut and thrust https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-independent-couthard-the-sharpest-am/184868186/ 3 December 2025 The Independent 12 Newspapers.com David Tremayne Some drivers made pit stops under safety car conditions.Spurgeon Brad Brad Spurgeon 10 March 2003 Formula One : Rain undermines racing's new rules https://www.nytimes.com/2003/03/10/sports/IHT-formula-one-rain-undermines-racings-new-rules.html 3 December 2025 International Herald Tribune Alonso stopped from second and fell to the rear of the field. The safety car entered the pit lane at the end of lap 11 and racing resumed with Montoya leading.Ryan Melissa 10 March 2003 How the race unfolded: Australian Grand Prix The Age 2 363537547 Räikkönen overtook Webber on the inside into turn one for fourth and Michael Schumacher passed Webber on the same lap. Montoya set a series of fastest laps to pull six seconds clear of Trulli by the end of lap 15. On the following lap, Webber's mounted the turn nine kerb, breaking the right-rear suspension, and causing his Jaguar to crab sideways. He retired at the edge of the racing line at Lauda corner. This moved Coulthard to sixth. At the end of lap 17, Montoya chose to make a pit stop, followed by Trulli and Ralf Schumacher; the German driver had a slow pit stop since the mechanics could not fit the right rear wheel, and he spun at turn one but continued driving, demoting him from third to last.Eason Kevin 10 March 2003 Kevin Eason's guide to how the teams performed in Melbourne; Motor racing https://link.gale.com/apps/doc/A98580992/GPS?u=wikipedia&sid=bookmark-GPS&xid=5c223d5f subscription 11 April 2026 The Times 38 Gale Academic OneFile This caused Alonso, who was battling Ralf Schumacher, to run across the gravel trap as Räikkönen became the new race leader. Wilson retired on lap 18 due to a loose stone creating a hole in the car's radiator, which raised the water temperature.Collings Timothy 10 March 2003 Coulthard finally ends Ferrari run https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-daily-telegraph-coulthard-finally-en/184868171/ 24 December 2025 The Daily Telegraph S12 Newspapers.com Because Webber's Jaguar was deemed in a dangerous position, the race director deployed the safety car for the second time to allow marshals to move the car off the track. thumb|right|upright|Juan Pablo Montoya (pictured in 2002) was leading on lap 48 until he lost control of his car, leaving him to finish second. The safety car was withdrawn at the end of lap 20, and Räikkönen returned the field to racing pace. On the next lap, at turn three, Montoya passed Panis for sixth. That same lap, Heidfeld's front-right suspension failed at the fast Waite chicane, ending his race and causing Ralf Schumacher to drive into the gravel trap at high speed. Michael Schumacher threatened Räikkönen's lead when his Michelin tyres began to deteriorate, limiting the amount of available grip. The duel allowed Coulthard to gain on the pair slowly. Villeneuve chose to make a pit stop a lap later than planned on lap 25, and he was followed by teammate Button for his scheduled stop. This caused confusion within the BAR team and Button lost around 15 seconds. Both BAR drivers fell to 13th and 14th, respectively. Unable to pass Räikkönen, Michael Schumacher made his second pit stop on lap 29, trying to undercut the former. His stop lasted nine seconds, dropping him to sixth and moving Coulthard to second. Pizzonia spun from ninth on lap 31 and fell to 12th. Räikkönen was five seconds ahead of Coulthard, who made his pit stop for fuel and tyres on lap 32 and rejoined the track in sixth, behind Michael Schumacher. Räikkönen made a pit stop for fuel and tyres from the lead on the next lap. He fell to third, trailing Frentzen, whom he quickly overtook, but ahead of Michael Schumacher. This put Montoya into the lead. Panis retired on lap 33, following a drive-through penalty for crossing the white line at the pit lane exit, due to a fuel pressure system issue. Michael Schumacher moved into third when Frentzen made a pit stop for fuel and tyres on lap 36. Räikkönen slowed, allowing Michael Schumacher to slipstream him on the start/finish straight into turn one two laps later. Michael Schumacher attempted to overtake Räikkönen on the outside for second, but Räikkönen defended his position, forcing Schumacher to run across the high kerb and onto the left side of the grass at the exit of turn one. However, on that lap, Räikkönen was imposed a drive-through penalty for exceeding the 80 km/h mph on pit lane speed limit by 1.1 km/h mph on because of a speed controller glitch. He fell to seventh after serving the penalty at the end of lap 39. Alonso passed Trulli for fourth, while Michael Schumacher drove wide onto the turn 12 kerbing, damaging the bargeboards and floor on the following lap. thumb|left|upright|David Coulthard (pictured in 2007) took the 13th and last Formula One victory of his career. Ralf Schumacher and his teammate Montoya made their final pit stops on laps 41 and 42. Michael Schumacher retook the lead with Montoya in second. Meanwhile, Räikkönen ran wide into the gravel at turn 14 but rejoined the track without damage. On lap 44, Michael Schumacher's right aerodynamic bargeboard turning vanes detached from the Ferrari and became lodged beneath the sidepod in front of the right-rear wheel, impairing the car's handling. Trulli made a pit stop from fourth on the next lap, a position Räikkönen inherited. On lap 46, race control displayed the black flag with an orange disc, prompting Michael Schumacher to enter the pit lane. He did so, fuel was added to his car, and the right-hand bargeboard was repaired, putting him fourth behind Räikkönen. With 12 laps left, it appeared Montoya would win the race. On lap 48, however, Montoya ran wide after riding the kerbs at the exit of Jones corner. He spun 180 degrees backwards and glanced the tyre barrier. He rejoined the race, but fell to second, giving Coulthard the lead. Räikkönen closed on Montoya, but Michael Schumacher in fourth put him under pressure. There was no changes of position between the three drivers. On lap 54, Pizzonia pulled off the circuit to retire from the race with a rear suspension failure. Fisichella retired in the garage from ninth on the same lap due to a gearbox shift point failure. Coulthard was untroubled, maintaining the lead for the final ten laps to take his 13th and final career win. Montoya finished second, 8.675 seconds back, while Räikkönen came in third, 0.517 seconds later. Michael Schumacher finished fourth, his first race off the podium since the 2001 Italian Grand Prix, ending Ferrari's 53-race streak of podium finishes that began at the 1999 Malaysian Grand Prix.Lowe Alex 10 March 2003 Coulthard triumphant as Schu fails to shine https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-northern-echo-north-durham-ed-cou/184868284/ 3 December 2025 The Northern Echo 12 Newspapers.com Trulli finished fifth, five seconds clear of Frentzen in sixth, whose first pit stop was moved forward due to tyre problems. Alonso scored his first two championship points for finishing seventh. Ralf Schumacher was the final championship points scorer in eighth. Villeneuve and Button were separated by four-tenths of a second in ninth and tenth.Allen James James Allen (journalist) 10 March 2003 James Allen http://www.itv-f1.com/itv_team/itvteam_story/14532 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20030313030531/http://www.itv-f1.com/itv_team/itvteam_story/14532 13 March 2003 3 December 2025 ITV-F1 Verstappen was the last finisher after being unable to select gear exiting the pit lane. Fisichella and Pizzonia were the final classified finishers despite retiring.Henry Alan 10 March 2003 McLaren make order from chaos https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-guardian-mclaren-make-order-from-cha/184868156/ 3 December 2025 The Guardian 18 Newspapers.com Alan Henry There were seven lead changes among four different drivers, and two safety car deployments. Post-race The top three drivers appeared on the podium to collect their trophies and spoke to the media in the subsequent press conference. Coulthard said from McLaren's perspective, they should relish finishing first and third, adding, "The circumstances enable us to get that on this day in history so we can be satisfied."9 March 2003 Post-Race Press Conference – Australian GP https://www.atlasf1.com/news/2003/mar/report.php/id/9748/.html 3 December 2025 AtlasF1 He said that while he did not overtake many drivers, it was difficult to complain about a Grand Prix victory. Montoya thought the race was "pretty disastrous" because the two safety car periods eliminated his lead over the rest of the field and acknowledged he was at fault for his spin that lost him the race victory. He expressed frustration because race leads could be wiped out because outcomes are often beyond the control of the driver's, highlighting Formula One's unpredictability. Räikkönen said the decision was made to switch to dry-weather tyres instead of staying on intermediate compounds to save time, but luck did not favour the outcome. Ferrari technical director Ross Brawn stated that the race "was one of those afternoons that didn't work out for us" because the team started on the wrong tyre compound and switched to dry tyres too late.9 March 2003 Ferrari: Errors cost us race http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/motorsport/formula_one/2833717.stm 3 December 2025 BBC Sport Ferrari sporting director Jean Todt called it "a very strange race and not really because of the new rules" because of the weather, differing race strategies and two safety car deployments. He said the result demonstrated that a minor error could result in a serious disadvantage.Linden Julian 9 March 2003 Todt Says No Need to Panic after Defeat https://www.atlasf1.com/news/2003/mar/report.php/id/9756/.html 3 December 2025 AtlasF1 Reuters Michael Schumacher commented of his absence from the podium for the first time since 2001, "It is normal that one day it will change – in sport that's the way it goes."9 March 2003 Ferrari's Bad Day at the Office http://www.itv-f1.com/news/news_story/14479 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20030920041834/http://www.itv-f1.com/news/news_story/14479 20 September 2003 3 December 2025 ITV-F1 Barrichello attributed his early-race collision to soreness in his collarbone caused by the HANS device fitted between the neck and helmet, implying that he was not fully focused on the circuit.Henry Alan Alan Henry 11 March 2003 Ferrari offer Schumacher £20m a season https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-guardian-ferrari-offer-schumacher-2/186153181/ 3 December 2025 The Guardian 27 Newspapers.com He added that "It was not a good weekend" but felt that Ferrari were still performing decently.Passa Dennis 10 March 2003 F1 rule changes appear to work as Ferrari loses https://www.newspapers.com/article/statesman-journal-f1-rule-changes-appear/184868412/ 4 December 2025 Statesman Journal 4B Newspapers.com Associated Press thumb|right|upright|Paul Stoddart (pictured in 2006) was complimentary of the revised sporting regulations adopted for the first time in the race. Stoddart said that Formula One won under the new sporting regulations implemented in Australia, and that the modifications should be highly appreciated, adding, "Who could say this was anything other than the most exciting race we have had for a long time?"Baldwin Alan 9 March 2003 F1 the Winner in Australia, Says Stoddart https://www.atlasf1.com/news/2003/mar/report.php/id/9757/.html 4 December 2025 AtlasF1 Reuters Gerald Donaldson of the Toronto Star also agreed that Formula One was "the real winner" in Australia.Donaldson Gerald Gerald Donaldson 10 March 2003 F1 races to exciting start https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-toronto-star-f1-races-to-exciting-st/186180264/ 4 December 2025 Toronto Star C8 Newspapers.com BAR team principal David Richards said the objective of the changes was to improve the racing, calling it "a good race and very encouraging." Mosley described it as "a very, very exciting race and completely unpredictable" race, "There was something happening all the time, there was never a dull period. I'd give it an eight or nine (out of 10) but I would have to say that the weather played a part."10 March 2003 Mosely hails F1 changes a success https://www.abc.net.au/news/2003-03-10/mosely-hails-f1-changes-a-success/1814650 4 December 2025 ABC News Coulthard was more reserved, saying "I think we will only be able to judge that (whether the rules contributed to the excitement) on reflection of the season." Ecclestone dismissed suggestions the changes contributed to the incidents observed in Melbourne.Benson Andrew 13 March 2003 Ecclestone rejects rules claims http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/motorsport/formula_one/2846591.stm 5 December 2025 BBC Sport Villeneuve blamed his early pit lane entry on lap 25 on radio problems and apologised to Button for the error.Baldwin Alan 9 March 2003 Villeneuve Apologises to Button After Pit Mix-Up https://www.atlasf1.com/news/2003/mar/report.php/id/9758/.html 4 December 2025 AtlasF1 Reuters Button said that Villeneuve's actions had "completely buggered my race" and lost him a large amount of time, adding it made him angry and frustrated, "There is nothing you can do then, it completely destroyed the race."Lowe Alex 10 March 2003 Button blasts Villeneuve https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-northern-echo-north-durham-ed-but/186180531/ 4 December 2025 The Northern Echo 12 Newspapers.com Richards argued that Villeneuve was unable to correctly listen to his radio. Michelin motorsport director Pierre Dupasquier was humble about the result of the tyre company sweeping the podium places for the first time since its return to Formula One in 2001, "Today's result was partly affected by the weather and partly by the Safety Car periods, so it is hard to draw any firm conclusions, but it is clear that our tyres were fast, consistent and very durable." Frentzen stated he was happy to finish sixth and put Alonso behind him in his first race for Sauber since leaving to join Williams at the end of 1996.9 March 2003 Frentzen back in style http://www.itv-f1.com/news/news_story/14491 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20030416003247/http://www.itv-f1.com/news/news_story/14491 16 April 2003 4 December 2025 ITV-F1 Firman believed he ran onto an patch of oil when he crashed. Because this was the first race of the season, Coulthard led the World Drivers' Championship with ten championship points. Montoya was second with eight championship points while Räikkönen was third with six championship points.Jones Bruce https://archive.org/details/formulaonegrandp0000jone_i0o1/ The Official ITV Sport Guide: 2004 FIA Formula One World Championship Carlton Books 2004 1-84442-811-7 100–101 Final Tables 2003 registration Internet Archive Michael Schumacher was fourth in the standings, losing the lead he had held since the 2000 United States Grand Prix. Trulli was fifth with four championship points. McLaren led the World Constructors' Championship with 16 championship points, seven ahead of Williams in second and ten in front of Renault with 15 races remaining in the season. Race classification Drivers who scored championship points are denoted in bold. Pos Position No Car number Driver Constructor Tyre Laps Laps completed Time/Retired Grid Final grid position Points 1 5 UK David Coulthard McLaren-Mercedes Michelin 58 1:34:42.124 11 10 2 3 Colombia Juan Pablo Montoya Williams-BMW Michelin 58 +8.675 3 8 3 6 Finland Kimi Räikkönen McLaren-Mercedes Michelin 58 +9.192 PL Pit lane2 1 6 4 1 Germany Michael Schumacher Ferrari Bridgestone 58 +9.482 1 5 5 7 Italy Jarno Trulli Renault Michelin 58 +38.801 12 4 6 10 Germany Heinz-Harald Frentzen Sauber-Petronas Bridgestone 58 +43.928 4 3 7 8 Spain Fernando Alonso Renault Michelin 58 +45.074 10 2 8 4 Germany Ralf Schumacher Williams-BMW Michelin 58 +45.745 9 1 9 16 Canada Jacques Villeneuve BAR-Honda Bridgestone 58 +1:05.536 6   10 17 UK Jenson Button BAR-Honda Bridgestone 58 +1:05.974 8   11 19 Netherlands Jos Verstappen Minardi-Cosworth Bridgestone 57 +1 Lap PL Pit lane2 1   12 11 Italy Giancarlo Fisichella Jordan-Ford Bridgestone 52 Gearbox 13   13 15 Brazil Antônio Pizzonia Jaguar-Cosworth Michelin 52 Suspension 18   Ret Retired 20 France Olivier Panis Toyota Michelin 31 Fuel pressure 5   Ret Retired 9 Germany Nick Heidfeld Sauber-Petronas Bridgestone 20 Suspension 7   Ret Retired 18 UK Justin Wilson Minardi-Cosworth Bridgestone 16 Radiator 20   Ret Retired 14 Australia Mark Webber Jaguar-Cosworth Michelin 15 Suspension 14   Ret Retired 21 Brazil Cristiano da Matta Toyota Michelin 7 Spun off 16   Ret Retired 12 Ireland Ralph Firman Jordan-Ford Bridgestone 6 Accident 17   Ret Retired 2 Brazil Rubens Barrichello Ferrari Bridgestone 5 Accident 2  Sources:2003 Australian Grand Prix http://www.formula1.com/results/season/2003/2/ Formula1.com 26 December 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150117214047/http://www.formula1.com/results/season/2003/2/ 17 January 2015 Notes 2 1 – Kimi Räikkönen and Jos Verstappen started the race from the pit lane. Championship standings after the race full season standings 2003 Formula One World Championship#Results and standings Drivers' Championship standings Pos Position Driver Points 1 UK David Coulthard 10 2 Colombia Juan Pablo Montoya 8 3 Finland Kimi Räikkönen 6 4 Germany Michael Schumacher 5 5 Italy Jarno Trulli 4Sources:https://www.statsf1.com/en/2003/australie/championnat.aspx Australia 2003 – Championship StatsF1 7 March 2019 Constructors' Championship standings Pos Position Constructor Points 1 UK McLaren-Mercedes 16 2 UK Williams-BMW 9 3 France Renault 6 4 Italy Ferrari 5 5 Switzerland Sauber-Petronas 3Sources: Note: Only the top five positions are included for both sets of standings. References 30em External links Australian Grand Prix 2003 2002 Japanese Grand Prix 2003 Malaysian Grand Prix 2002 Australian Grand Prix 2004 Australian Grand Prix 37 50 59 S 144 58 06 E source:kolossus-nowiki title Grand Prix Australian Grand Prix Category:Australian Grand Prix Australian Grand Prix Category:Motorsport at Albert Park