Australian Grand Prix 1999 - Race Schedule and Countdown

Eddie Irvine claimed a surprise victory at the Australian Grand Prix season opener, taking advantage of Mika Häkkinen and David Coulthard's retirements to win for Ferrari. Starting from fourth on the grid, Irvine drove a measured race as the McLarens encountered problems, while Heinz-Harald Frentzen finished second for Jordan-Mugen Honda and Ralf Schumacher secured third for Williams-Supertec. Michael Schumacher retired early with mechanical issues.

The result was a dream start for Irvine and Ferrari, with the Ulsterman proving he could win races when given the opportunity. Häkkinen's retirement from pole position was a costly setback in the championship defense, while McLaren's reliability concerns suggested 1999 would be more competitive than 1998. The race demonstrated that Ferrari had closed the gap to McLaren over the winter.