The 2025 Formula 1 season will begin with the first free practices of the Australian Grand Prix this Thursday night. The competition will take place at the Albert Park circuit in the city of Melbourne, marking the first time since 2019 that it hosts the season-opening race.
According to experts, this season promises to be one of the most competitive in recent years. Despite the fact that four-time champion Max Verstappen from Red Bull may not have the fastest car, exciting battles are expected between drivers like Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri from McLaren, as well as Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton from Ferrari. A standout performance is also anticipated from Mercedes drivers George Russell and Andrea Kimi Antonelli.
In the 2024 edition of the Australian GP, Carlos Sainz Jr. took victory while racing for Ferrari. This year, he will face a greater challenge racing for Williams, where Argentinian Franco Colapinto participated in the last nine races of the season.
Franco Colapinto, in the current season, will serve as the reserve driver at Alpine, which has Pierre Gasly and Jack Doohan as its main drivers. Colapinto is expected to be the first option to replace Doohan should he not achieve the expected results.
The schedule for the Australian GP is as follows: - Thursday: Free Practice 1 from 22:30 to 23:30 hours. - Friday: Free Practice 2 from 02:00 to 03:00 hours and Free Practice 3 from 22:30 to 23:30 hours. - Saturday: Qualifying at 02:00 hours. - Sunday: Race at 01:00 hours.
