The 2017 Australian Grand Prix kicks off on March 26 with the F1 betting tips predicting a tight contest between Ferrari and Mercedes.

The Formula 1 season returns for another campaign with plenty of changes to the rules and regulations. The Australian Grand Prix has always served as a starting point to the F1 calendar and the 2017 season is no different. Since it is the starting point of the entire season, Australian Grand Prix predictions usually have to rely on the pre-season testing outcomes.

The changes are especially big coming into the 2017 season, as it is not only limited to the rules. The change in ownership and the departure of Bernie Ecclestone brings huge changes to the sport, making F1 predictions even more difficult without the help of F1 betting tips.

History

The Australian Grand Prix was first held in 1928. Michael Schumacher and Lex Davison are two of the most successful drivers at this venue after having won the race four times each. Australians have often dominated the event. Four Australians have been able to succeed in the event, although F1 odds have mostly seen foreign nationals dominate the race in recent years. McLaren and Ferrari have been hugely dominant at this track with 22 wins between them. McLaren edges out the Italian team with 12 wins. Albert Park has been the venue of the Australian Grand Prix since 1996.

In the last three years, however, Mercedes have been the undisputed champion, winning the race in succession to put themselves as favourites for 2017, as per the F1 betting odds.

2017 Favourites

The 2017 race will see the debut of brand-new cars for the F1 races. In order to spice up the entertainment value, the new owners have brought in vast changes to the car which have made them significantly faster than ever before. Formula 1 odds for the 2017 event are likely to back new lap records set at this event.

Ferrari have shown great pace in pre-season testing. Barring any reliability issues, one can back the Italian outfit in the Formula 1 betting odds. Daniel Ricciardo is the favourite for the event amongst the fans, as he aims to become the first Australian to win the Grand Prix since Alan Jones in 1980. Red Bull racing have shown decent pace in the pre-season testing.

After having won the race three times in succession, Mercedes will be hoping to repeat the trick in 2017. Hamilton has two wins at this race. It remains to be seen if the vast changes make F1 betting ahead of motoGP betting once again.

Australian Grand Prix Outrights

• Winner - Lewis Hamilton (5/4), Sebastian Vettel (7/2), Vatteri Bottas (6), Kimi Raikkonen (8), Daniel Ricciardo (10)

• Pole Position - Lewis Hamilton (12/10), Sebastian Vettel (11/3), Vatteri Bottas (21/5), Kimi Raikkonen (8), Daniel Ricciardo (14)

• Top 3 Finish - Lewis Hamilton (4/10), Sebastian Vettel (1/2), Vetteri Bottas (9/10), Kimi Raikkonen (12/10), Daniel Ricciardo (2)

OddsDigger's Predictions for the First Grand Prix of 2017 - Australian Grand Prix

It's clear the season-opener at Albert Park for the amazing 2017 Australian Grand Prix is one of the most anticipated in decades. The outcome here will definitely set the running order for the next few weeks.

• Nico Hulkenberg will finish in the top 8.

• Sauber have just released news that they are focusing on their 2018 car. There's a reason for that - they are struggling.

• Stroll will beat Massa.

• Sainz to finish in the top 5.

• Lewis Hamilton to win (we believe he will lead this year's Australian Grand Prix from start to end).

• Daniel Ricciardo (Aussie) will have to Battle Verstappen for the win, and we believe he will be in the top 4.

Bet Online & Win Huge

Are you ready to take betting to a whole new level? We are here to help you win consistently and for that, we post Australian Grand Prix predictions following massive research. We know that Lewis Hamilton doesn't want the lack of discipline from the previous season to interfere with his 2017 plans, and we know that Ricciardo is on home soil this time. Pay attention to all details and don't forget that these are pre-testing predictions. Do not expect us to eat our own shoes if we are way off.

In addition to all this, use our aggregate to check prices and odds from leading bookmakers. If you find a great deal, go for it! It might not be there for long.

Get started now.