Break’s over, lineups have changed, new team members have been oriented, testing is done, and it’s time for racing as we are officially in race week for the first Grand Prix of the 2025 Formula One season.
After picking up their first Constructors’ title in almost three decades, McLaren start as favourites for the two championships, with Ferrari and Mercedes in the mix as well. Red Bull are an unknown quantity this time around, with Max Verstappen and Co having not had a strong pre-season. Then again, testing hasn’t always told the entire story.
Also read: 6 rule changes to keep in mind ahead of the season opener in Melbourne
For the 2025 Australian Grand Prix, here are our preview and predictions.
After 12 years with Mercedes, Formula One’s greatest-ever driver—statistically—has a new seat. After much fanfare, Lewis Hamilton is ready to kick off the 2025 F1 season in Ferrari colours.
Hamilton’s stint with the Silver Arrows goes down as one of the most successful driver-team pairings in the sport’s history, though the 40-year-old is arriving at Ferrari on the back of a rough final couple of years to replace Carlos Sainz. He set the second fastest time in pre-season testing and has looked rejuvenated.
Ferrari were title contenders last season, and pre-season testing hints at them being at the front of the grid again. If Hamilton is handed a machinery that can challenge, expect the seven-time World Champion to at least be on the podium.
After picking up their first Constructors’ title in almost three decades, McLaren come into this season as favourites for both championships. Last year, Lando Norris had been the Drivers’ title on a platter, but he was unable to fight off Max Verstappen despite Red Bull falling off the pace compared to the likes of McLaren and Ferrari. This season, the title is again Norris’s to lose, even more so given McLaren had the quickest car over one lap in pre-season testing.
Norris’s teammate, Oscar Piastri, also had a breakout season last year. The young Australian will be pumped at his home race with a competitive car—this could be the first time an Australian driver wins the home race in Melbourne.
Pole prediction: Lando Norris / Lewis Hamilton
Race winners prediction: McLaren / Ferrari
After being one of the most successful teams in the turbo-hybrid era, winning eight Constructors’ and seven Drivers’ titles, Mercedes have had a hard time in the last three years thanks to Red Bull’s dominance, not once winning either title in that time.
While they have won the odd race here and there, the Silver Arrows know they belong at the front of the grid. Heading into a new season with a new driver lineup, Mercedes have George Russell leading the team alongside the young rookie Kimi Antonelli, who in his debut season is replacing the seven-time World Champion, Lewis Hamilton. The Italian was also impressive during pre-season testing, getting crucial laps behind the wheel.
Mercedes will take heart from the fact that they topped the mileage charts in pre-season testing. While they might not be up there with McLaren and Red Bull, they are not far behind and are likely to have a strong start to the season.
Dark Horses: Mercedes
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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