Australian Grand Prix: F1 session times, predictions, and updates

Dominika Jordan
Mar 13, 2025, 10:45 PM ET

Formula 1 has arrived in Melbourne for the opening race of the 2025 season at Albert Park. This Sunday, all 20 drivers from 10 teams will line up on the grid for the highly anticipated event.

The 2025 Australian Grand Prix will take place at the 5.278-kilometer Albert Park Grand Prix Circuit in Melbourne.

The weather forecast predicts warm and settled conditions on Friday with temperatures around 24°C, rising to 31°C on Saturday. However, there is a chance of rain on race day.

Latest News

The 2025 Formula 1 season begins with the Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne this weekend. Max Verstappen from Red Bull and the McLaren team are starting their respective defenses of the constructors.

Significant technical updates for the cars have been outlined by all 10 Formula 1 teams to kick off the 2025 season at the Australian Grand Prix.

Lewis Hamilton is under the spotlight as he begins his first race with Ferrari. Six rookies are also making their debut, adding excitement to the new driver pairings across eight teams, with only Aston Martin and McLaren retaining their line-ups.

Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc have been making headlines in 2025 for their activities both on and off the track. Recently, Leclerc highlighted the "super positive" changes at Ferrari with Hamilton's arrival.

Red Bull Racing has made significant changes for the 2025 Formula 1 season. Oracle Red Bull Racing, following their title-winning streak, introduced a major shake-up by filling Sergio Perez's vacant seat with young driver Liam Lawson. This change aims to maintain their competitive edge as Max Verstappen continues to lead the team.

Toto Wolff mentioned that Max Verstappen is no longer a concern for him and added that he is in talks with George Russell for a contract extension.

McLaren remains optimistic about the harmony between Norris and Piastri as they enter the season labeled as favorites. Piastri has secured his future with McLaren by signing a multi-year contract extension until beyond 2026.

Sainz joined Williams for the 2025 season as part of a multi-year deal, bringing his experience and talent to the team.

Predictions and viewing

One can make a case for any driver from the top four teams clinching victory in Melbourne, but based on preseason form and noise around the paddock, Lando Norris seems to be the favorite.

No Australian driver has ever won or been on the podium at their home Grand Prix, but this could change with McLaren looking strong from preseason testing. Homegrown talent Oscar Piastri aims to end the 40-year drought.