The 2025 season ready to go
Break’s over, lineups have changed, new team members have joined their teams, testing is done and it’s time for racing as we are officially in race week for the first race of the Formula One 2025 season.
After picking up their first Constructors’ title in almost three decades, McLaren start as favourites with Ferrari and Mercedes right up there in the mix as well. Red Bull are the unknown with Max Verstappen and co. not having a strong pre-season testing but then again, testing hasn’t always told the entire story, has it?
Also Read – 6 rule changes to keep in mind ahead of the season opener in Melbourne
Ahead of the Australian Grand Prix 2025, here’s our race preview and predictions.
The starred Red Devil –
After 12 years with Mercedes, Formula One’s greatest driver (at least statistically) has a new seat as Lewis Hamilton will kick off the Formula One 2025 season in Ferrari colours.
Hamilton’s stint with the Silver Arrows was one of the most successful driver-team pairing in the sports’ history but Hamilton had a rough final couple of years, and left Mercedes to join Ferrari to replace Carlos Sainz. Hamilton set the second fastest time in testing with the veteran seven-time World Champion looking rejuvenated at his new team.
Ferrari were a title contender last season and pre-season testing shows that they will be at the front of the grid again and if Hamilton has a machinery which can challenge, expect the British icon to be on the podium, if not on the top step.
Looking for the double –
After picking up their first Constructors’ championship in almost three decades, McLaren come into the Formula One 2025 as the favourites in both championships. Lando Norris had the 2024 title put to him on a platter but the Brit was unable to fight off Max Verstappen but with Red Bull seemingly having fallen off the pace compared to the likes of McLaren and Ferrari, this season it will be Norris’ title to lose. McLaren were also the quickest car over one lap in pre-season testing.
Norris teammate, Oscar Piastri also had a breakout season last year and the young Australian will be pumped at his home race with a car which will be fighting for the win and it can be the first time an Australian driver wins their home race in Melbourne.
Pole position prediction: Lando Norris / Lewis Hamilton
Race winners prediction: McLaren / Ferrari
Silver Arrows’ silver lining –
After being one of the most successful teams in the turbo-hybrid era, where they won 8 Constructors’ Championships and 7 Drivers’ titles, Red Bull’s dominance from 2021 – 2023 saw the Mercedes have a rough couple of seasons with Brackley-based team unable to win either title in the last three years.
While they have won the odd race here and there, the Silver Arrows know that they belong at the front of the grid. Heading into a new season with a new driver lineup as Lewis Hamilton has departed the team, Mercedes have George Russell leading the team along with the young rookie Kimi Antonelli, who in his debut season will be replacing the seven-time World Champion, will have all the eyes on him. What will work in their favour is that Mercedes was the table topper in pre-season testing in the mileage charts.
The young Italian, Antonelli was also impressive as he got crucial laps behind the wheel and while they might not be up there with McLaren and Red Bull, they are right behind those two and should have a strong start to the season.
Dark Horses: Mercedes
Australian GP 2025: Race Details
Circuit: Albert Park Circuit
Venue: Albert Park, Melbourne, Australia
Practice Session 1 time: 07:00, March 14, 2025
Practice Session 2 time: 10:30, March 14, 2025
Practice Session 3: 07:00, March 15, 2025
Qualifying time: 10:30, March 15, 2025
Main race time: 09:30, March 16, 2025
Where to watch: F1 TV Pro / FanCode
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