2025 Australian Grand Prix: Season Opener at Albert Park

The 2025 Formula 1 season kicks off with the Australian Grand Prix at the iconic Albert Park circuit in Melbourne. This race marks the first time all 20 drivers from 10 teams will line up together on the grid for the new season.

Key Drivers to Watch

Lewis Hamilton: Making his debut with Ferrari, Hamilton is under the spotlight as he joins F1's most successful team.
Oscar Piastri: With McLaren showing strong preseason form, Piastri could be the first Australian to win a home Grand Prix in 40 years.
Charles Leclerc: Holding the lap record and a previous victory at Albert Park, Leclerc is a strong contender for this year's race.

Weather and Conditions

Friday is expected to be warm with temperatures around 24°C, rising to 31°C on Saturday. There's a chance of rain on Sunday, which could add an extra layer of complexity to the race.

Circuit Stats and History

First Race: 1996
Laps: 58 laps of 5.2km. Total race distance: 306km.
Lap Record: 1:19.813, Charles Leclerc (2024)
Most Wins: Michael Schumacher with four (2002-2002, 2004)

What Makes Albert Park Special

Albert Park is known for its fast corners and unforgiving walls, providing a thrilling spectacle for fans. The carnival atmosphere in Melbourne adds to the excitement of the season opener.

What Happened Last Year?

Last year's race saw Carlos Sainz win for Ferrari just two weeks after recovering from appendicitis. Max Verstappen retired early with a brake fire, and the race ended under a virtual safety car due to George Russell's crash on the final lap.

How to Watch

U.S.: ESPN and ESPN+
U.K.: Sky Sports F1 and BBC Radio 5 Live

For live updates and analysis, follow ESPN's F1 team at Albert Park and on social media.

Schedule

Friday:
- Free practice one: 01:30-02:30 GMT
- Free practice two: 05:00-06:00 GMT
Saturday:
- Free practice three: 01:30-02:30 GMT
- Qualifying: 05:00-06:00 GMT
Sunday:
- Race starts: 04:00 GMT