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.
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