Guide to the 2025 Australian Grand Prix weekend as F1 kicks off the new season Down Under in Melbourne, Australia.
Max Verstappen enters this season as reigning four-time consecutive champion but faces his toughest fight yet with McLaren’s Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri heading the expected challengers, whilst Ferrari will expect to be in the mix with Charles Leclerc and new signing, Sir Lewis Hamilton.
Mercedes are also set to mount their best tilt at the title since 2021 with George Russell, whilst Andrea Kimi Antonelli can’t be ruled out of the championship mix if he settles quickly into F1.
Antonelli also heads an impressive field of five full-time rookies featuring; Oliver Bearman, Gabriel Bortoleto, Jack Doohan and Isack Hadjar, although Bearman and Doohan had previously made four combined guest appearances last season at select races across the campaign.
The season-opener also marks a chance to see the proper pecking order for the first time this year after a lively if unpredictable pre-season test.
Now, here is everything that you need to know ahead of 2025 Australian Grand Prix.
Track Guide
Circuit: Albert Park Circuit
Laps: 58
Race Distance: 306.240km
Tyre Compounds: C3, C4 & C5
Schedule
| Date | Session | Time (GMT) |
| Friday 14 March | FP1 | 1:30am |
| Friday 14 March | FP2 | 5:00am |
| Saturday 15 March | FP3 | 1:30am |
| Saturday 15 March | Qualifying | 5:00am |
| Sunday 16 March | Race | 4:00am |
Five Key Pointers
- Despite spending much of pre-season testing in the pits, McLaren are expected to begin this weekend as favourites after Lando Norris showed a glimpse of their potential on the opening day of the test.
- Track temperatures in pre-season testing were unusually cool so this weekend will mark the first time that we will see each team’s potential in hotter track temperatures.
- Rain is forecast for the race at time of writing which will add further unpredictability especially for rookies – Antonelli, Gabriel Bortoleto, Jack Doohan and Isack Hadjar who are yet to drive F1 machinery in the wet.
- Having endured a tough pre-season test in terms of lap times, Aston Martin could be an interesting watch to see if Adrian Newey can make an immediate improvement to their performance.
- Having looked quick in pre-season testing, we will see where Williams properly stack up in the pecking order for the first time.
Last Time Out
Max Verstappen claimed pole position on F1’s visit to Australia in 2024 but he had to retire at the end of lap four with a terminal brake issue, which allowed Carlos Sainz to cruise to victory from Charles Leclerc in a Ferrari one-two finish.