1995 Australian Grand Prix

Championship standings

Both championships are settled. Schumacher won the Drivers’ title at the Pacific Grand Prix; Benetton clinched the Constructors’ title at Suzuka. This is Schumacher’s last race with the Benetton team before he moves to Ferrari for 1996.

Previous race

Schumacher won in Japan — his ninth victory of the season, equalling the record set by Nigel Mansell in 1992. Häkkinen was second in the McLaren; Herbert third for Benetton. Benetton was confirmed as Constructors’ Champions: Williams could not overhaul the points gap in the final race. Hill spun off mid-race; Alesi retired from a promising position with driveshaft failure.

Between-race developments

This is announced as the final Formula One race at the Adelaide Street Circuit. From 1996, the Australian Grand Prix moves to the Melbourne Grand Prix Circuit. It is also Schumacher’s final race for Benetton ahead of his confirmed move to Ferrari.

Milestones

Hill took pole position at Adelaide. In qualifying, Häkkinen suffered a high-speed accident when a left-rear tyre puncture caused him to lose control heading towards Brewery Bend. The McLaren became airborne at 120 mph and struck a tyre barrier heavily. Doctors attending the scene found Häkkinen unresponsive with a blocked airway and performed an emergency tracheotomy trackside before transporting him to the Royal Adelaide Hospital. Häkkinen withdrew from the race but is expected to recover in time for the 1996 season.

Schumacher starts third, with the Ferrari drivers fourth and fifth — Berger ahead of Alesi. Frentzen is sixth.