Finally, the time has come, and you can bet there will be a spectacle at the Australian GP. In this preview, we give you five reasons why it’s well worth setting the alarm early for the opening race of the 2025 Formula 1 season.
1. The Weather, with Rain King Verstappen
This weekend marks exactly ten years since Max Verstappen made his F1 debut in Melbourne. Can he celebrate this anniversary with a win? Rain could well be a factor. Four seasons in one day, as the ‘Aussies’ aptly describe Melbourne’s weather: the beautiful city can quickly shift from very hot to very wet. And wet, it is likely to be during the race.
This could play right into Verstappen’s hands, as both friends and foes see him as the favorite when the heavens open. Whether the weather gods will cooperate for a jubilee victory of rain king and reigning world champion Verstappen remains to be seen. If so, a spectacle is guaranteed.
2. Piastri Can Make History
He’s driving undoubtedly the fastest and best car of last year and, it seems, also for at least this opening weekend. Therefore, there are chances for Oscar Piastri, starting from second place, to win. If he wins the race in Melbourne, he will make history. Never before in history has an Australian won the GP in their own country. Piastri will first have to beat polesitter and teammate Lando Norris; that’s no easy task. Or will there be a clash (already)?
3. Enthusiastic Rookies
Can you still be considered a rookie if you’ve already raced eleven times as a substitute, like Liam Lawson? Or twice for two different teams, like Oliver Bearman? Or if you’ve already made your debut, like Jack Doohan? It’s debatable. What is certain is that all three are embarking on their first full season as full-time F1 drivers. True rookies, with no GP experience, are Isack Hadjar, Gabriel Bortoleto, and Kimi Antonelli. Which of these three will lead the dance at the debutantes’ ball? They are all young, fearless, and enthusiastic, just like the other three ‘newcomers’. You can bet they feel the pressure and are eager to prove themselves. Mistakes are part of the game and could contribute to the spectacle at the Australian GP.
4. Hamilton’s Ferrari Debut
Yes, he has already tested, trained, and qualified in the red car. But when the lights go out in Melbourne on Sunday, it’s truly ‘Hammertime’ for seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton at Ferrari. He hasn’t had much preparation time for this season at Ferrari, only since January has he been able to get to work in his new environment with a different culture, language, and work process. Can the Brit drive fast? Absolutely. Is it enough to compete immediately with teammate Charles Leclerc and the fast competition? Don’t expect miracles, given the eighth starting position, a podium would be quite an achievement.
5. The Outsider: Williams
Oh, how painful it was, almost exactly a year ago: Williams had only one chassis left in Melbourne after a crash by Alexander Albon, forcing Logan Sargeant to give up his car to his teammate. A year later, everything is different: two cars ‘as usual’ and both in the top-10 on the starting grid. Will Albon be the big surprise of race day? Or maybe Carlos Sainz? Perhaps both.
And furthermore…
…the circuit is 5278 meters long
…the race consists of 58 laps
…there were 35 overtakes last year
…the chance of a safety car is 50 percent
So set your alarm early, because the race in Australia starts at 19:00 UTC!
