Rookies, the first race of the 2025 F1 season, and unpredictable weather… We knew the Australian GP would be chaotic, but not this much!
The opening race of the Formula 1 season in Melbourne turned into complete mayhem. Lando Norris claimed victory after an intense battle, but it’s the list of retirements and struggles that really grabbed attention. Let’s break down a season opener that has already put everyone under pressure.
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Carnage at Albert Park Circuit!
From the formation lap, the tone was set. Isack Hadjar, making his F1 debut, went off before the race even officially started. The wet track at Albert Park, with its slippery painted lines and strategically placed gravel traps, turned every corner into a potential disaster. Carlos Sainz, last year’s winner, paid the price, losing control in the final turn and crashing into the wall under safety car conditions. Gabriel Bortoleto and Liam Lawson also saw their races end abruptly, proving once again how unpredictable the conditions were. And it wasn’t just the rookies—seasoned veteran Fernando Alonso also found himself in the barriers.
An epic duel between Norris and Verstappen
Amid the chaos, a breathtaking battle unfolded at the front between Lando Norris and Max Verstappen. The British driver, who had nailed his qualifying, took the lead at the start, but Verstappen’s relentless pace kept the McLaren driver under constant pressure. Tire strategy played a crucial role, with teams scrambling to predict the ever-changing weather. Rain returned in the final laps, forcing drivers to switch to wet tires one last time. Norris kept his composure, unlike his teammate Oscar Piastri, who slid onto the grass and dropped down the order. Verstappen launched a final attack, but Norris shut every door, securing a memorable victory.
Ferrari struggles, Mercedes seizes the opportunity
While many expected Ferrari to be a serious contender, the Italian team completely missed the mark. Qualifying at the back of the front runners, Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton never found their rhythm. A questionable tire strategy only made things worse, keeping them out of the top five. If Ferrari doesn’t react quickly, McLaren and Red Bull could start pulling away in the championship.
For Mercedes, the situation was quite different. George Russell, quiet but efficient, secured a podium finish in third after avoiding the race’s many traps. But the real surprise came from rookie Andrea Kimi Antonelli. Making his F1 debut, the young Italian delivered a stunning performance, climbing from 16th to 4th thanks to a flawless strategy and a series of bold overtakes.
Standouts and letdowns
Amidst the storm, some drivers managed to shine. Alex Albon delivered a strong performance for Williams, finishing in the top five and proving the team has made solid progress over the winter. Nico Hülkenberg also secured a positive result for Sauber, a rare bright spot for a team that struggled in 2024. On the disappointment side, Racing Bulls missed a golden opportunity to score big points. Yuki Tsunoda, impressive in qualifying, saw his chances ruined by a poor tire strategy, while Isack Hadjar endured a nightmare debut in F1. Haas once again showed its limitations, lacking the pace to achieve anything better than a modest top 15 finish.
This article explores the chaos of the 2025 Australian Grand Prix, marked by unpredictable weather and numerous retirements. Lando Norris took victory after an intense battle with Max Verstappen, while Ferrari completely missed its weekend. Mercedes capitalized with a podium for George Russell and an impressive comeback drive from Andrea Kimi Antonelli. With the next race in China fast approaching, several teams already have work to do to get back in the fight.
Images: © Red Bull Content pool
