Formula 1 has arrived in Melbourne for the opening race of the season at Albert Park.
Sunday’s grand prix is the first time all 20 drivers from 10 teams will line up together on the grid for the 2025 season.
All eyes are on Lewis Hamilton, this weekend, as he takes on his first race for F1’s most successful team, Ferrari. Other drivers to watch are the six rookies who are part of new driver pairings at eight teams, excluding Aston Martin and McLaren.
No Australian driver has won a home grand prix. McLaren came out of preseason testing in February looking like the strongest team, so could Oscar Piastri end that statistic after 40 years?
Friday is expected to be warm and settled with temperatures around 24°C, rising to 31°C on Saturday, while there’s a chance of rain on Sunday.
Latest news
Piastri has committed his long-term future to McLaren after signing a multiyear contract extension beyond 2026.
The Cadillac F1 team has been confirmed by F1 and the FIA and has at least six names on a list of potential drivers and will decide on merit.
Reigning champion Max Verstappen has said he does not believe Red Bull has a car capable of challenging for victory in Melbourne.
Listen to the season preview and latest episode of Unlapped.
Circuit stats and history
Adelaide held the Australian Grand Prix between 1985-1995 and it served as the season finale in November of each year. Although it was successful, with 210,000 people attending the final race, it became too expensive to run and Melbourne took over as host the following year.
The Albert Park street circuit has regularly served as the season opening race with drivers and fans alike enjoying the carnival atmosphere and buzz that arrives in Melbourne each autumn in March.
The circuit is one of the fastest on the calendar and consistently provides a spectactle fitting for the excitement of a new season.
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). Of the current grid Hamilton (2008, 2015), Leclerc (2022), Max Verstappen (2023), Carlos Sainz (2024) have all won here.
Most poles: Hamilton with eight (2008, 2012, 2014-2019). Of the current grid Leclerc (2022) and Verstappen (2023) have also been on pole here.
What makes it special: A parkland circuit with a mix of fast corners and unforgiving walls. The Australian hosts also provide the perfect party atmosphere to start the season.
What the drivers say about it: “The atmosphere in Melbourne is always unreal, and the track is fun and fast.” — Daniel Ricciardo
Where to watch from: Turns 9 and 10. It’s the fastest section of the circuit with very little margin for error. The direction change underlines the remarkable performance of an F1 car, and there is a general admission area on the outside of Turn 9 for easy viewing.
What happened last year?
Last year’s Australian Grand Prix saw a stunning turn of events as Carlos Sainz won for Ferrari two weeks on from an appendicitis.
Max Verstappen dramatically retired in the early moments of the race with a brake fire, and the race ended under virtual safety car as George Russell crashed on the final lap.
How to watch the GP
Watch on ESPN and ESPN+ (U.S. only) — view the schedule.
Live broadcast coverage in the U.K. is on Sky Sports F1 and BBC Radio 5 Live.
For news, analysis and updates, follow the coverage with ESPN’s F1 team Nate Saunders and Laurence Edmondson at Albert Park and on social media.
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.
– 2025 F1 circuits: Their history, stats and why they’re special
– Key facts on drivers, teams, venues, more
– Reasons to root for each F1 driver, questions for every team
– Meet the rookies: What to expect from F1’s Class of 2025
