Australian Grand Prix 2025: Full Schedule, Rookie Debuts, and How to Watch on BBC

Everything you need to know about the 2025 F1 season opener in Melbourne, including rookie debuts, BBC coverage details, and weather forecasts.

2025 Formula 1 Season Kickoff: What to Expect in Melbourne

The 2025 Formula 1 championship begins with a thrilling Australian Grand Prix at Albert Park (March 14-16), featuring major storyline:

Key Storylines

  • Verstappen's Title Defense: Red Bull's Max Verstappen aims for a historic 5th consecutive championship.
  • Hamilton's Ferrari Era: Lewis Hamilton makes his long-awaited debut with Scuderia Ferrari after 12 years with Mercedes.
  • Rookie Revolution: 18-year-old Andrea Kimi Antonelli (Mercedes) headlines a record 6 rookie drivers this season.

Driver Changes

Driver New Team Notable Stats
Lewis Hamilton Ferrari 7-time World Champion
Andrea Kimi Antonelli Mercedes 3rd-youngest F1 debutant
Carlos Sainz Williams Replaced by Hamilton at Ferrari
Oliver Bearman Haas Impressive 2024 stand-in performances

BBC Coverage Schedule (GMT)

Friday, March 14

  • FP1: 01:30-02:30 (5 Sports Extra)
  • FP2: 05:00-06:00 (5 Sports Extra)

Saturday, March 15

  • FP3: 01:30-02:30
  • Qualifying: 05:00-06:00

Sunday, March 16

  • Race: 04:00 (Coverage from 03:30 on 5 Live)

Weather Forecast 🚦

  • Race Day Risk: 60% chance of light rain (28°C) may create strategic chaos
  • Qualifying: Scorching 34°C could challenge tire management

Testing Insights

  • McLaren Dominance: 2024 constructors' champions showed blistering pace in Bahrain
  • Ferrari Concerns: Hamilton admits "work needed" despite promising long runs
  • Dark Horse: Williams' new duo (Albon/Sainz) exceeded testing expectations

"Arriving in red will be cool" - Hamilton on his Ferrari debut

Don't miss the Chequered Flag podcast for expert race analysis across BBC platforms.

Relation Formula 1 Schedule
2025-08-06 Wednesday

Quilmes

01:00 Argentina, Primera Nacional, Round 25

Call

01:00

Atlanta

Rangers

02:45 Europe, UEFA Champions League Qualifiers - 3rd Round

Call

02:45

Viktoria Plzen

Accrington

02:45 England, EFL Cup - Preliminary Round

Call

02:45

Oldham

Malmö FF

04:00 Europe, UEFA Champions League Qualifiers - 3rd Round

Call

04:00

FC Copenhagen

KF Shkendija 79

04:00 Europe, UEFA Champions League Qualifiers - 3rd Round

Call

04:00

Qarabag Agdam

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