Australian Grand Prix
March 16, Melbourne

Australia returns as the traditional
opening race of the F1 season for the
first time since 2019. Teams are eager to
prove their race credentials after mixed
performances in unusual conditions
during pre-season testing in Bahrain

KEY STORYLINES

McLaren driver Oscar Piastri (right)
carries home hopes of being first Australian
driver to make podium in Melbourne
since first Grand Prix in 1985

Eight teams boast new driver
line-up for 2025 – only McLaren and
Aston Martin are unchanged

Max Verstappen (inset)
begins quest for fifth
successive title,
while Lewis
Hamilton makes
Ferrari debut

BEHIND THE WHEEL
2024 result: Top 6 places

1	Carlos Sainz	Ferrari
2	Charles Leclerc	Ferrari
3	Lando Norris	McLaren Mercedes
4	Oscar Piastri	McLaren Mercedes
5	Sergio Perez	Red Bull Racing Honda RBPT
6	Lance Stroll	Aston Martin Aramco Mercedes

Ferrari SF-25: Evolution of 2024
car with all-new pull-rod
front suspension

Most wins:
Michael Schumacher, 4
(2000, 2001, 2002, 2004)

Podiums:
Lewis Hamilton, 10
(1st: 2, 2nd: 6, 3rd: 2)

Lap record:
Charles Leclerc, 2024
1:19.813

Most wins by constructor:
Ferrari, 11
McLaren, 11

Sources: FIA, Forix, Autosport
Pictures: Getty Images
© GRAPHIC NEWS