Formula 1 is back in Melbourne for the first time since 2019 as the season opener, setting the stage for what could be one of the most unpredictable starts in years. With teams still working out their pecking order post-preseason testing, there’s plenty of intrigue heading into race weekend:
Track Changes Shake Things Up
Albert Park has undergone some notable changes after a string of crashes last season, most notably George Russell’s frightening shunt at Turns 6-7. The barriers have been repositioned, the kerbs adjusted, and the gravel traps brought closer to the racing line to improve safety. Despite the changes, the gravel has already been well visited during practice, with Oliver Bearman suffering a rough crash in the revised section. Drivers are still adjusting to the tweaks, and the impact on race strategy remains to be seen.
McLaren: The Ones to Beat?
After a strong showing in preseason testing, McLaren enters the Australian Grand Prix as the team to watch. Lando Norris delivered an impressive race simulation in Bahrain, suggesting that the Woking outfit has a real shot at victory. Even Mercedes boss Toto Wolff acknowledged a gap to McLaren, while George Russell called them outright favourites. McLaren isn’t keen to carry the weight of expectation, with Oscar Piastri—racing in front of his home crowd—admitting that Melbourne’s unique conditions could shake things up. Meanwhile, Norris dismissed the notion that McLaren is that far ahead, highlighting that Ferrari, Red Bull, and Mercedes all showed serious pace in testing.
The team also announced a multi-year contract extension with Piastri, securing him until at least 2028. This move reinforces McLaren’s belief in the young Australian, who played a pivotal role in their Constructors' success last year. However, it also places fresh emphasis on the team’s internal dynamics—particularly the ‘papaya rules’ that govern intra-team battles. With Piastri and Norris both eager to lead the charge, McLaren must strike the right balance between competition and harmony if they want to sustain their upward trajectory.
Hamilton’s Ferrari Debut
Lewis Hamilton kicks off his Ferrari era at the very track where he made his F1 debut with McLaren in 2007 and his first start with Mercedes in 2013. The seven-time world champion is in high spirits and bullish about the Scuderia’s potential but remains cautious about where they stand compared to their rivals. Charles Leclerc added to the optimism, finishing at the top of FP2 with a 0.4-second advantage over Hamilton, further suggesting Ferrari could be a major contender this weekend.
He’s thrown himself into the Ferrari project, spending most of his time at Maranello in the buildup to the season. While external expectations are high, Hamilton insists the only pressure he feels is from himself. This marks the first time in his career that he’ll be racing in a car without a Mercedes power unit—a fascinating wrinkle in his quest for an eighth title. While team boss Fred Vasseur seems quietly confident in Lewis' abilities, the grid—and Lewis' legions of fans—are yet to see his true potential unfold.
Red Bull's Mind Games
The reigning champions have been unusually quiet. Red Bull didn’t even complete a full race simulation in testing, leaving many questions unanswered about their actual pace. Max Verstappen himself downplayed their chances in Melbourne, claiming they aren’t the quickest team right now; though team stalwart Helmut Marko's disparaging comments about rookies Gabriel Bortoleto and Mick Doohan have made sure that Red Bull's P1 in the gossip game continues unabated.
It’s hard to say whether this is genuine concern or just classic Red Bull mind games. Even if they aren’t the outright fastest, history suggests Verstappen doesn’t need the quickest car to win races—or championships. But if Red Bull really is on the back foot, it could make for a far more competitive season than last year’s runaway campaign.
The Rookies Take Centre Stage
Six drivers will be making their first full F1 season debuts this weekend, though only three are true rookies in the traditional sense. Red Bull’s Liam Lawson and Haas’ Ollie Bearman have already had stand-in appearances, meaning they don’t quite fit the ‘rookie’ label anymore.
The most high-profile of the bunch? Kimi Antonelli, the teenager taking over Hamilton’s old seat at Mercedes. The Italian sensation has been tipped for greatness, but stepping into that car comes with huge expectations. Even Hamilton himself had kind words for the young driver, recalling how surreal it was to race against his childhood hero Fernando Alonso in his own debut season.
With track temperatures soaring on Saturday and rain likely on Sunday, strategy is going to be crucial. Tyre management could play a major role in shaping the race outcome, particularly if teams are still getting to grips with their 2025 packages. The good news? After months of speculation, we’re finally going to see how it all shakes out on track. The fight for the title might be closer than it has been in years, and that’s exactly what F1 needs.
