Chaos, Rain, and Rookie Struggles: Breaking Down the 2025 Australian Grand Prix
Credit: Formula 1 Twitter
The 2025 Formula 1 season kicked off in style at Albert Park, and wow, did Melbourne deliver on the drama. There was plenty to unpack between unpredictable rain showers, rookie struggles, Ferrari’s strategy fumbles, and McLaren showing up big time. So, let’s dive in!
The rookies had a brutal baptism by rain. If there’s one way to test a rookie’s nerves, it’s throwing them into a wet, chaotic race—and the Australian GP did just that. Isack Hadjar (RB) had an absolute nightmare, spinning on the formation lap (not a great start) and later crashing out. Welcome to F1, kid. Jack Doohan (Alpine) was under massive pressure in his home race, but unfortunately, his Melbourne dream turned into a nightmare when he crashed out on the first lap. Brutal. Liam Lawson (Red Bull), stepping into the main team this season, had a weekend to forget. Out in Q1, and then a crash on Lap 47 sealed his fate. Not the debut season start he wanted. The lesson? The rain doesn’t care if you’re a rookie or a world champion—it’s coming for you either way.
Ferrari’s season opener felt like déjà vu. New season, new lineup, same Ferrari heartbreak? Qualifying wasn’t their best showing, with both drivers starting mid-pack. Not ideal, but manageable. Race day looked promising… until it wasn’t. Lewis Hamilton, in his much-anticipated Ferrari debut, got caught out by a bad strategy call in the closing laps. The team hesitated on switching to wet tires, and that hesitation cost him big time. He finished P10—a disappointing start for a driver who knows how to handle wet races. The big question: Is this just early-season rust, or are we in for another year of “What if?” moments from the Scuderia?
McLaren fans, I hope you celebrated this one. Lando Norris took pole, controlled the race like a seasoned pro, and snatched the first win of the season. A dream start for the papaya squad. Oscar Piastri had a tougher time at his home race, but he still managed a solid recovery drive, including a last-lap overtake on Hamilton for P9. Melbourne may not have given him a podium, but that was a statement move. The MCL39 looked rapid in the wet and dry—could we be looking at legitimate title contenders here? Too early to say, but it’s definitely something to watch.
If there’s one thing Melbourne loves, it’s keeping us on our toes. The rain came and went at the worst possible moments, throwing strategies into chaos. The start was already sketchy with heavy rain causing multiple incidents, including Doohan’s crash. Mid-race, things dried up enough for slicks—but only for a little while. Then, just as everyone got comfortable, boom, another downpour in the closing laps. The teams that nailed their pit stop timing (McLaren, Red Bull) thrived. The ones that hesitated (Ferrari) paid the price. Lesson learned: Never, ever trust Melbourne’s weather.
So, what did we learn from this wild opener? McLaren is looking strong—this wasn’t a fluke. Ferrari still has strategy woes—but there’s time to fix it. The rookies had a rough welcome—but they’ll have chances to bounce back. Melbourne’s weather is undefeated—and we love it for that. Next stop: China. Let’s see if the chaos continues.
Winners
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Winners 〰️
Lando Norris P1
Lando Norris absolutely nailed it at the Australian Grand Prix, taking a well-earned victory in some seriously tricky conditions. Starting from pole, he controlled the race from the start, but it was far from smooth sailing. The ever-changing weather meant strategy was key, and McLaren timed their pit stops perfectly to keep him ahead. When the late-race downpour shook things up, Lando stayed cool under pressure, handling the wet track like a pro while others struggled. With Verstappen chasing him down, he held his ground and brought it home for his first win of the season—an epic drive that proved just how much he’s grown as a racer.
Credit: McLaren Instagram
Max Verstappen P2
Max Verstappen fought hard for P2 in Australia, but it wasn’t the dominant performance we’re used to seeing from him. Starting from second, he kept the pressure on Lando Norris but struggled to find a way past as McLaren had the edge in race pace. The unpredictable weather made things even trickier, and while Red Bull’s strategy kept him in the fight, Verstappen couldn’t quite close the gap. The late rain added some last-minute drama, but Max managed to keep it clean and secure a solid second place. Not the win he wanted, but still a strong result in a chaotic race.
Credit: Oracle Redbull Racing Twitter
George Russell P3
George Russell put in a solid drive to secure P3, making the most of the chaos to grab a well-earned podium. Starting third, he had a strong opening stint but couldn’t quite match the pace of Norris and Verstappen up front. Mercedes played their strategy well, keeping him in the mix as the weather kept everyone on their toes. When the late rain hit, Russell stayed out of trouble while others struggled, managing his tires and keeping it clean to bring home his first podium of the season. A strong performance and a much-needed boost for Mercedes!
Credit: Mercedes AMG Petronas Twitter
“I just felt terrible for him so thought ‘You know what, I just need to go and tell this kid to keep your head high, walk tall. You’re going to come back’.
-Anthony Hamilton (Sky Sports F1)
Credit: Formula 1 Instagram
Team LH44
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Team LH44 〰️
Angela Cullen
Angela Cullen has been a key part of Lewis Hamilton’s success for years, serving as his physiotherapist and close ally. After retiring, it was a surprise when she joined him again, this time at Ferrari. Their bond goes beyond just work—Cullen knows Hamilton inside and out, which makes her return a huge move for both of them. It’s not just about supporting Hamilton, but also bringing her expertise to Ferrari as they push for new heights.
Credit: Kym Illman
Raye
Raye has become known not just for her music but for her standout, iconic style. She’s got that effortless mix of bold, edgy looks with a laid-back, cool vibe that makes her fashion choices instantly recognizable. Whether she's rocking oversized jackets, sleek streetwear, or something more glamorous, Raye knows how to turn heads while staying true to herself. Her style is all about confidence and individuality, blending trendy pieces with her own twist—making her not just a music icon, but a fashion one too.
Credit: Scuderia Ferrari HP Instagram
Top look from the weekend: Lewis Hamilton Media Day
Lewis Hamilton's media day outfit for the 2025 Australian Grand Prix was all about bold confidence and high fashion. He went shirtless under a sleek, tailored black Jacquemus jacket, adding an edgy twist to the classic look. Paired with sharp black trousers, he completed the outfit with shiny black boots that gave it a polished yet striking finish. The subtle jewelry and his effortless cool made it clear that Hamilton knows how to turn heads—blending high-end fashion with his signature rebellious style.
Credit: Getty Images
My DOTD
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My DOTD 〰️
Kimi Antonelli Shines at the Australian Grand Prix: P16-P4
Kimi Antonelli’s performance at the Australian Grand Prix was seriously impressive. From the get-go, it was clear he wasn’t just there to make up the numbers. He took on the Melbourne circuit with a cool, calculated approach, handling the tricky corners like a pro.
What really stood out was his ability to battle through the midfield with some well-timed overtakes and quick decisions. He didn’t let the pressure of the race or the competition faze him—just solid, consistent driving that kept him in the mix. Even with changing track conditions, Antonelli showed he could adjust and keep up the pace.
It’s safe to say this race is just another reminder of the talent Kimi Antonelli brings to the table. He’s definitely one to watch, and after his performance here, I’m excited to see what’s next for this rising star in F1.
Credit: Mercedes AMG Petronas Instagram
