After what feels like an eternal off-season, F1 finally returns for the Australian GP this weekend, with many sub plots of intrigue.
The monumental consequences for F1 in last year’s off-season following Lewis Hamilton’s switch to Ferrari led to a quiet winter in 2024.
This is a relief, given the domino effect it caused. But no F1 news is a world fans and pundits do not enjoy. We long for the big stories, the intrigue and, most importantly, cars on track.
After just three days of testing in Bahrain, F1 has rocked up to Albert Park in Melbourne as it prepares to kick off potentially the tightest season in its history.
Hosting the opening round of the championship for the first time since 2019, Albert Park is a mix of high and low speed corners. Testing handling, downforce and power unit reliability, it is traditionally not a circuit that tests all aspects of the car.
But as we prepare for the first practice session, what are the plots waiting to be unravelled in Australia?
A very special Ferrari debut for Lewis Hamilton
Lewis Hamilton driving a scarlet Ferrari in anger for the first time will cause a media frenzy ahead of and during the race. This cannot be understated.
However, once his visor goes down, Hamilton will be focused on one thing: winning. Ferrari’s testing programme produced mixed results, but the new SF-25 looks to be an improvement over Hamilton’s final Mercedes car from 2024.
That said, the seven-time world champion struggled for grip and had several offs during testing. The car bounced heavily, and some have concerns that he will struggle to adapt to the driveability and handling of the Ferrari.
Hamilton has had very little track time to adapt to such a massive change, and predicting a result at the Australian GP is a like asking how long is a piece of string.
However, the Ferrari does have an underlying pace, so it will not be a surprise if he ends up on the podium this weekend. Victory is improbable given the pace of the McLaren, but one of the runner-up spots is a possibility.
Just how fast are McLaren?
One of the biggest questions ahead of the Australian GP is how fast the new McLaren MCL39 actually is, and justifiably so.
Paddock insiders and other teams are whispering they expect a one-two finish for the Woking marque at the Australian GP.
The MCL39, while not lighting up the timesheets during testing, did show highly competitive long-run pace across all three days.
Lap times during testing are notoriously difficult to decipher due to different fuel loads, programmes and engine modes. But as Lando Norris and recently re-signed Oscar Piastri constantly performed well over long runs, the team is going into the weekend quietly confident.
Both drivers will be aiming to win on Sunday. Norris can start off the season by laying down a marker to his rivals, will be keeping an eye in his mirrors for Piastri who desires the sweet taste of home victory.
But McLaren may not have things entirely their way in Australia. Rain is predicted, and that will level an already competitive field.
If it does stay dry, expect a crushing McLaren victory. That said, watch this prediction flop harder than a 2020s Disney live action remake.
Where do Max Verstappen and Red Bull fit in the competitive order?
Red Bull are a question mark going into the race this weekend. The new RB21 has pace, but looks to be signifcantly behind McLaren and Ferrari.
If Red Bull had the third or fourth fastest car, this would pose a dilemma for Max Verstappen. Previously, the reigning world champion has helped build the team, and enjoyed substantial title success.
But 2025 looks set to be a year where Red Bull could struggle for the first few races. Watching Verstappen, who is famously blunt and demanding of perfection react to this will be telling.
Rumours of conversations with Mercedes and Aston Martin are not going away. Instead, the metaphorical gossip girl of the paddock continues to link Verstappen with a move away from Red Bull.
Should the team badly struggle in Australia, Verstappen will need to play his part in coaching the team out of its issues. Listen to his team radio with great interest.
Williams vs Alpine for best of the rest?
Alpine’s new 525 is lighter than its predecessor and has good pace. In the hands of Pierre Gasly (and hopefully second home hero Jack Doohan), Alpine should be on for a good result.
While not on the pace of McLaren, Red Bull, Ferrari or Mercedes, it has emerged as the leading midfield team. Gasly could secure a top six finish, a fantastic achievement if he is able to.
But Alpine faces competition in the form of Williams. The team is in the ascendency, rebuilding under the leadership of James Vowles.
The much maligned Microsoft Excel spreadsheet to assemble the car is no more, and the FW47 looked composed on. track. New signing Carlos Sainz set the fastest lap of the three-day test in Bahrain.
While this will not translate into victory, Sainz looks set to battle with Gasly for the title of best of the rest. Alex Albon will need to improve his game to stay on terms with his illustrious team-mate.
Regardless, Gasly vs Sainz looks set to be a tight battle, one which their team-mates will hope to be involved in.
How will the rookies fare at the Australian GP?
After no driver changes at the start of the 2024 season, F1 2025 sees a flurry of new rookies take to the grid. All have a point to prove.
Jack Doohan is by far the rookie in the most precarious position. The spectre of Franco Colapinto hangs over the Australian more than a scorned ghost.
Rumours say Doohan has five races to prove himself.That is immense pressure ahead of the first rae of the season. He must finish the race, keep his nose clean, and demonstrate pace.
Oliver Bearman want to continue his strong run of races after substituting for Sainz and Kevin Magnussen last season. However, his car’s lack of pace may not allow him to. A solitary point will be considered a good result.
Andrea Kimi Antonelli has big shoes to fill, replacing Hamilton at Mercedes. No doubt keen to consign his Monza practice crash to history, he must have an error-free weekend. Whether he can beat George Russell remains to be seen after his low-profile testing performance.
Isack Hadjar’s raw pace in Formula 2 sees him join Yuki Tsunoda at Racing Bulls in 2025. The French Algerian can have a fiery temper, and will need to keep this in check during the pressure cooker of race starts, and if his race starts to unravel.
Liam Lawson while not strictly a rookie, moves into the most challenging seat on the grid. The last three team-mates at Verstappen have all lost their seats. Verstappen’s desire for a car on the edge caused issues for the other side of the garage.
Lawson’s only requirement will be to as close to Verstappen as possible, bring home the points, and act as a safety net for the Dutchman. Australia will be the first indication of whether this is achievable for the Kiwi.
Gabriel Borteleto is the rookie with the toughest gig in 2025. The new Sauber is not a pup, but it is not far off. Matching the pace of team-mate Nico Hulkenberg is the best the reigning Formula 2 champion can for in Ausralia.
Will we see a fine for swearing?
The simple answer is yes. It is as inevitable as a stormtrooper in Star Wars failing to hit a moving target, and equally as amusing.
Drivers will swear in the heat of the moment while driving at 200mph. The FIA will quickly discover its new stricter rules are almost unenforceable.
Fans want authentic emotions from drivers. many long for the days when they were unfiltered and not protected by a huge team of communication experts.
The idea that the FIA believes drivers will not swear while under pressure inside the car is far-fetched. Expect at least one fine this weekend, possibly multiple.
Feature Image Credit: Red Bull Content Pool/ Peter Fox/Getty Images
