Formula 1 2025 kicks off with the Australian Grand Prix
Created by Luis Belo at Wednesday, 12 March 2025
The new Formula 1 season is about to begin and expectations have never been higher! With new rules, changes in teams and a new chapter in the fight for the title, the first race of the year, the Australian Grand Prix, will be the first big test for the drivers and teams.
The Albert Park circuit in Melbourne will welcome the world's best for a race where strategy and adapting to the new regulations can make all the difference. Let's analyse the main changes and what to expect this season.
What's new for Season 2025
Changes in regulations
The FIA has implemented new rules to make the races more balanced and unpredictable:
Aerodynamic adjustments to reduce dependence on DRS and increase overtaking opportunities;
Fewer restrictions on development tests, to allow the cars to evolve more over the course of the season;
New rules for track limits, with stricter penalties to avoid controversial decisions.
Transfers and new arrivals
The transfer market was hectic and brought new additions to the grid:
Lewis Hamilton to Ferrari: After 12 seasons and six world titles with Mercedes, Hamilton has joined Scuderia Ferrari, pairing up with Charles Leclerc.
Andrea Kimi Antonelli at Mercedes: With Hamilton's departure, Mercedes have promoted 18-year-old Italian Andrea Kimi Antonelli from their junior programme to compete alongside George Russell.
Carlos Sainz Jr. at Williams: After leaving Ferrari, Sainz has signed for Williams, where he will have Alexander Albon as his team-mate.
Liam Lawson at Red Bull: Red Bull has replaced Sergio Pérez with New Zealander Liam Lawson, who will join Max Verstappen in the main team.
Esteban Ocon at Haas: Ocon has left Alpine to join Haas, teaming up with British rookie Oliver Bearman.
Nico Hülkenberg and Gabriel Bortoleto at Sauber: Sauber has signed Hülkenberg and Brazilian Gabriel Bortoleto, the 2024 Formula 2 champion, for the 2025 season.
Jack Doohan at Alpine: Australian Jack Doohan has been promoted to Alpine's first driver, alongside Pierre Gasly.
Isack Hadjar at Racing Bulls: Racing Bulls (formerly RB) have signed young Frenchman Isack Hadjar, who will join Yuki Tsunoda.
Favourites
Red Bull: Verstappen continues to dominate?
After an overwhelming 2024, Max Verstappen arrives in 2025 determined to defend his title. The Red Bull car remains the benchmark, but the competition promises more resistance this year.
Ferrari and Mercedes: Red Bull at last?
Ferrari has invested heavily in its project for 2025 and, with Hamilton and Leclerc, wants to end Verstappen's hegemony. Mercedes, meanwhile, which had a tough time in 2024, believes that the new W16 can put them back in the title fight.
McLaren and Aston Martin: The teams to watch?
McLaren showed impressive progress last season and Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri want to continue the team's growth. Aston Martin, with Alonso at the helm, could be one of the surprises of the year.
What can we expect from the Australian Grand Prix?
The Albert Park circuit is always a stage for unpredictable races. With fast straights and technical corners, the teams have to find the perfect balance between speed and grip to succeed in the race.
Key factors for the race:
Qualifying will be decisive, as overtaking remains a challenge on this track;
The new regulations could change the dynamic, making the fight for the podium open;
The weather can surprise you and make the race even more chaotic, especially if the rain comes.
Schedule:
Race - 16 March / 04:00
Qualifying - 15 March / 05:00 - 06:00
Test 3 - 15 March / 01:30 - 02:30
Test 2 - 14 March / 05:00 - 06:00
Test 1 - 14 March / 01:30 - 02:30
