The 2025 Australian Grand Prix, held at Melbourne’s Albert Park Circuit from March 14 to 16, marked a thrilling start to the Formula 1 season. The race was characterised by unpredictable weather, dramatic incidents, and notable debuts, setting the tone for an exhilarating championship ahead.
Race Overview
Lando Norris of McLaren emerged victorious in a race that tested drivers’ skills and strategies. Starting from pole position, Norris demonstrated exceptional control and decision-making amid changing track conditions. “It’s the perfect way to start the year,” Norris commented post-race. “A huge congratulations to the team; everyone at McLaren has done an amazing job to continue from where we were at the end of last season.”
Andrea Stella, McLaren’s Team Principal, praised the team effort: “A fantastic effort by both drivers and a testament to the many men and women here at track and back in Woking who worked so hard over the winter to make a good car even stronger.”
The race began on a damp track, prompting all drivers to start on intermediate tires. An early incident occurred during the formation lap when rookie Isack Hadjar lost control and crashed, reducing the starting grid by one.
At the official start, Norris maintained his lead, while Max Verstappen of Red Bull Racing quickly overtook McLaren’s Oscar Piastri for second place. The initial laps saw further drama as Jack Doohan and Carlos Sainz Jr. encountered accidents, bringing out the safety car. Upon resumption, the battle at the front intensified, with Norris and Piastri building a significant gap over Verstappen.
The race’s complexity heightened when Fernando Alonso crashed on lap 34, leading to another safety car deployment. Teams seized this opportunity to switch to slick tires as the track dried. However, a sudden downpour on lap 44 caught several drivers off guard. Both McLaren drivers slid off track; while Norris recovered swiftly, Piastri found himself stuck in the grass, dropping to the back of the field.
In the closing stages, Norris faced immense pressure from Verstappen but managed to hold his lead, securing his fifth career victory. Verstappen finished a close second, with Mercedes’ George Russell completing the podium in third. “That was not an easy race for anyone,” Russell remarked. “I’m pleased to bring it home in P3, taking our first podium finish of the new season. Keeping it on the road was a challenge at times, particularly in the changeable conditions.”
Lewis Hamilton’s Ferrari Debut
A significant storyline of the weekend was Lewis Hamilton’s much-anticipated debut with Scuderia Ferrari. After a storied career with Mercedes, Hamilton’s switch to Ferrari was one of the most talked-about moves in recent F1 history. However, his inaugural race with the team proved challenging. Hamilton qualified eighth and struggled with the car’s performance throughout the race, particularly under the changing weather conditions. He finished in tenth place, earning a solitary point. “It’s great to finally get going and start my first race weekend with Scuderia Ferrari HP,” Hamilton stated. “It’s been a learning day as I continue to understand and get to grips with the new car. Everything is so completely different from what I’ve been used to for so long, but that’s the challenge, and I’m embracing it.”
Fred Vasseur, Ferrari’s Team Principal, acknowledged the challenge, saying, “The feeling in the car was good and we had a solid first day on track. There is still some margin for improvement in terms of the balance, which is the same for everyone across the paddock, given that these cars are still pretty new to all of us and we have to push to understand their limits.”
Rookie Performances
The 2025 season introduced a remarkable influx of talent, with six rookies making their full-time debuts: Andrea Kimi Antonelli (Mercedes), Oliver Bearman (Haas), Jack Doohan (Alpine), Gabriel Bortoleto (Sauber), Liam Lawson (Red Bull Racing), and Isack Hadjar (Racing Bulls). Their performances varied, reflecting the challenges of transitioning to the pinnacle of motorsport.
- Andrea Kimi Antonelli: The young Italian delivered an impressive performance, finishing fourth after starting sixteenth. “That was an incredibly eventful race! The conditions were super tricky out there,” Antonelli said. “We had so many different conditions that we had to cope with today, but I think we did a good job as a team.”
Toto Wolff, Mercedes’ Team Principal, praised Antonelli’s performance: “Both drivers did a great job today in very challenging conditions. George drove a superb and controlled race to finish on the podium, whilst Kimi showed a great deal of maturity, in addition to the speed we know he has, to fight through from P16 to P4.”
- Oliver Bearman: The British driver faced a challenging weekend, struggling to find pace and finishing outside the points. His debut highlighted the steep learning curve faced by newcomers.
- Jack Doohan: The Australian’s home race ended prematurely due to an early crash, underscoring the unforgiving nature of the sport.
- Gabriel Bortoleto: The Brazilian’s race was cut short following a collision, resulting in a disappointing debut.
- Liam Lawson: The New Zealander showed promise but was involved in a late-race incident that led to his retirement.
- Isack Hadjar: His debut was marred by an unfortunate crash during the formation lap, preventing him from starting the race.
The rookies’ experiences highlighted the challenges inherent in Formula 1, especially under unpredictable conditions. While some showcased resilience and skill, others faced harsh lessons that will undoubtedly fuel their growth in the sport.
ES Packages for the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix
For fans seeking an unforgettable motorsport experience later in the season, ES Sport offers exclusive hospitality packages for the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. These premium packages provide unparalleled access to the Yas Marina Circuit, featuring prime grandstand seating, VIP hospitality lounges, and behind-the-scenes insights. Guests can enjoy gourmet dining, exclusive meet-and-greet opportunities with racing legends, and luxurious accommodation options tailored for comfort and convenience. Whether you’re a dedicated Formula 1 enthusiast or a casual spectator, ES Sport’s Abu Dhabi Grand Prix packages promise an extraordinary weekend filled with excitement and luxury.
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