The 2025 F1 season has finally arrived in Australia, and all eyes are on Albert Park as the grid prepares for the Grand Prix race weekend.
The Weekend Spans March 14 to 16
After an intriguing pre-season in Bahrain, the grid order remains uncertain. Was McLaren’s dominance a true reflection of their pace? Will Red Bull, Ferrari, and Mercedes surprise at Albert Park?
With Lewis Hamilton making his highly anticipated Ferrari debut, doubt cast on Red Bull’s chances, and Jack Doohan looking to impress in front of his home crowd, the weekend promises plenty of drama. Unpredictable weather and a fierce midfield battle could see Australia deliver a race that reminds us just why it typically opens a season.
Here is what to watch for as F1 returns to Australia.
It’s finally RACE WEEK! 🇦🇺
For the first time since 2019, the Albert Park welcomes back Formula 1 for the season-opener 👀 #FIA #F1 #AusGP pic.twitter.com/C8j2UmvuJw
— FIA (@fia) March 10, 2025
Is McLaren the Team to Beat?
McLaren looked dominant during F1 pre-season testing in Bahrain, but that does not mean their form will continue in Australia.
While there have been varying predictions about the pecking order ahead of the Australian Grand Prix, most expect the Woking-based team to be the early frontrunners.
The 2024 season saw Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri claim their first Grand Prix victories while McLaren mounted a serious challenge for the Constructors’ Championship. Norris secured second place in the Drivers’ standings and is now determined to go one better in 2025.
Their speed in Bahrain looked promising. Red Bull’s Helmut Marko has already weighed in, speaking to ServusTV, noting that McLaren was consistently half a second to a full second quicker in Bahrain.
However, they did not top the speed trap figures, suggesting they were not running at full power. Marko believes a McLaren one-two could be inevitable if they replicated this at Albert Park.
But as always, pre-season form can be deceptive.
Bahrain has never been McLaren’s strongest track, yet Piastri will be eager to deliver a standout performance at his home race, fresh off the announcement of his contract extension.
READ MORE: F1: History of the Australian Grand Prix
Hamilton’s Ferrari Debut
A new chapter begins for Lewis Hamilton as he suits up for Ferrari for the first time in a race weekend.
One of Hamilton’s biggest challenges in recent years has been finding confidence in his car, particularly in qualifying.
If Ferrari has given him a more stable platform to push to the limit, he could be a real threat. He is after his eighth Drivers’ Championship after all.
But if early struggles emerge, it could be a sign that he will need time to fully adapt to his new machinery.
The Midfield Battle
While the focus will be on the front-runners, the fight behind them could be just as intense.
Williams showed promising signs in testing, with their strong driver pairing of Carlos Sainz and Alexander Albon giving them a solid foundation.
Aston Martin and Alpine have reasons to be optimistic, but pre-season running has left more questions than answers. This round will be key for development.
However, do not count Haas out, who made steady progress last year under Ayao Komatsu.
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Rookie Watch
Six rookies will embark on their first F1 season in Australia. All eyes are on Jack Doohan in particular.
While Doohan is contracted for the whole season, Franco Colapinto is waiting in the wings as the French team’s backup driver.
With expectations high, Doohan must show he can match or at least challenge his more experienced teammate, Pierre Gasly. A strong performance at home would be the perfect way to kick-start his campaign.
Other rookies include Mercedes’ Kimi Antonelli, Haas’ Ollie Bearman, Racing Bulls’ Isack Hadjar, and Sauber’s Gabriel Bortoleto.
Weather Could Shake Things Up
The Australian Grand Prix is always unpredictable, and this year’s forecast suggests the weather could play a vital role.
Friday’s practice sessions will take place in mild conditions, but qualifying on Saturday is set to be much hotter, potentially shaking up the order.
However, the biggest twist could come on Sunday, with rain expected to hit the circuit. If that happens, strategy calls and driver skill in tricky conditions could decide the outcome of the race.
Lights Out
Setting the scene before the #AusGP story unfolds 📖#F1 pic.twitter.com/4QUaJotS4f
— Formula 1 (@F1) March 12, 2025
With plenty of unknowns and the added factor of unpredictable weather, Melbourne is set to deliver an unmissable weekend of racing.
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Main Photo
IMAGO / ZUMA Press Wire
Recording Date: 12.03.2025
