When asked to describe the Australian Grand Prix, fans had many different responses. Recounting it as a “roller coaster,” “bittersweet,” “outstanding” and especially wet. Free practice ran from March 13-14, made up of three, one-hour practice sessions, preparing for the teams for the first qualifying and race of the season.
During free practice 1, Hamilton made his official debut for Ferrari. Rookie Oliver Bearman crashed due to slick conditions on track, Norris topped the times, and an almost record-breaking number of rookies got their first taste. For free practice 2, Charles Leclerc led the way by just over a 10th of a second gap to the McLaren pair, Piastri and Norris. Piastri topped the final practice right in front of Russell and Verstappen. Bearman crashed again, and the promising rookie, Antonelli, placed fifth.
Although rain and heat were forecast for the duration of the race, FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem, gave the go ahead to start anyway. So it was lights and away the cars went at 3 p.m. in Melbourne, Australia, kicking off the first race of the 2025 season. Norris at first continued to hold the lead, while Verstappen was able to overtake Piastri.
However, with the overwhelming number of rookies introduced this season, we saw much more going on around the back of the grid, with a total of three safety cars during the race. Four out of the six rookies unfortunately faced their first disappointments once the rain picked up, including Hadjar, Doohan, Lawson and Bortoleto. Even more experienced drivers had their race cut short due to the rain, Saniz crashing on only lap 2 and Alonso meeting the gravel on lap 34, ultimately resulting in a total of six retirements to start the year.
Many triumphs were made in this race as well, with 18-year-old rookie, Kimi Antonelli, scoring his first points for Mercedes in his debut race, alongside his teammate, in third and fourth. Norris was able to secure his fifth race win of his career, driver of the day and fastest lap, in front of Verstappen, the reigning world champion. Albon, in his third year at Williams, placed fifth. Both Ferraris found themselves next to Piastri, down at eighth, ninth and 10th.
The 2025 Australian Grand Prix delivered everything fans hoped for — drama, excitement and unpredictability. From the highs of Norris securing victory to the struggles of multiple rookies facing their first DNFs, this race set the tone for an intense season ahead.
