2025 Australian F1 Grand Prix: What We Learned from FP1&2 + Race Predictions!
- Nicole Nolte
- Mar 15
- 3 min read
F1 is officially BAAAAAACK, and the first race of the season is already serving ✨️drama✨️, surprises, and plenty of speculation. 🤭
The Formula 1® Louis Vuitton Australian Grand Prix 2025 (yes, it’s a mouthful hehe) is shaping up to be a pretty damn epic season opener at Albert Park...
After two intense practice sessions, Ferrari is FLYING, McLaren is ✨️charging✨️, Red Bull is struggling (?!😳), and the Racing Bulls miiiiiight just be the dark horses this weekend...
Let’s break it all down and see what’s in store for us for qualifying and race day.
Ferrari: Fast af, but are they flawless?
Charles Leclerc was ABSOLUTELY SENDING IT, topping the timesheets in FP2 with a 1:16.439—making him an early favorite for pole.
The Ferrari looks quick, planted, and comfortable, but the biggest talking point? 👀
👀 Lewis Hamilton’s debut in red.
Hamilton had a rocky start in FP1 (P12) but improved to P5 in FP2.
However, his body language in the garage wasn’t exactly ✨️screaming✨️ confidence - at one point, he even kept his helmet on after a session, leading to speculation that things aren’t quite clicking yet. Which is okay, he'll figure it out! It's just that lil adjustment period.
Can Hamilton adapt in time for qualifying? It’s Ferrari, so either he’ll be on the front row... or we’ll have some spicy radio messages coming our way 🤭👀
McLaren: Title Contenders Already? 😶
McLaren is coming in HOT-TO- GO.
Lando Norris topped FP1, and both he and Oscar Piastri were in the top three for FP2. Oscar Piastri, in particular, is looking FAST—and with the home crowd behind him, he’s got ✨️extra motivation✨️ to make history as the first Australian to win at Albert Park 🥹
McLaren ended 2024 strong and seems to have picked up right where they left off. If they nail qualifying, they could be Red Bull’s biggest headache this weekend 👀
** cries quietly in RB fangirl **
Red Bull: Uh… What’s Going On? 🫣
Max Verstappen in P7? 🧐
That’s not something we’re used to seeing. Red Bull didn’t look dominant in practice, and both cars were outpaced by the Racing Bulls (!!) in FP2.
Now, should we panic? 😳
Probably not. We’ve seen Verstappen hold back in practice before, only to unleash ridiculous pace when it actually matters. But if they’re still struggling in qualifying, then we might actually have a season on our hands 👀
Racing Bulls: The Surprise of the Weekend?
Remember when AlphaTauri (now Visa Cash App Racing Bulls) was just Red Bull’s junior team?
Yeah, well… they might be beating Red Bull now.
WILD.
Yuki Tsunoda was P4 in FP2, ahead of both Verstappen and Lawson. Their car looks stable, fast, and competitive—which means they could be fighting for best-of-the-rest status (or even a cheeky podium if things get crazy).
🌦️ The Wildcard: Melbourne Weather & New Rules
👉 Unpredictable Weather
Rain is possible on race day, and if that happens, strategy calls and driver skill will decide everything.
👉 No More Fastest Lap Point
That extra championship point for fastest lap is gone—meaning no more last-lap pit stops just to steal a bonus point.
This could completely change race strategy and how teams approach the final laps.
👉 Driver Cooling Systems
If the FIA declares a ‘Heat Hazard’ (above 31°C), all drivers must wear the new cooling vest, and cars will be allowed an extra 5kg of weight.
This could play a role depending on Melbourne’s famously chaotic weather...
Race Predictions. Sooooo Who’s Taking the Win? 👁👁
🏆Most Likely to Win: I've gotta say Charles Leclerc or Lando Norris
Ferrari and McLaren look like the fastest cars so far. If Red Bull is truly struggling, this could be a real battle.
🛑 Biggest Concern: Red Bull’s Pace
Is it just sandbagging, or are they really off the pace? If Verstappen can’t qualify in the top three, we’re in for a wild race.
Potential ✨️Dark Horse✨️: Yuki Tsunoda
If Racing Bulls’ speed is real, they could be the unexpected disruptors in the midfield fight.
🫶Home Hero: Oscar Piastri
Could he actually do it? Could he finally get an Aussie on the podium in Melbourne?
The home crowd will be LOUD if he’s in the mix... 🤭
Final Thoughts: Buckle Up for a Banger, Babes!
The Formula 1® Louis Vuitton Australian Grand Prix 2025 is already shaping up to be a season opener for the books.
Ferrari and McLaren look scary, Red Bull has some questions to answer, and Melbourne’s weather could throw everything into chaos.
If this is just the start, 2025 is about to be one hell of a season 😅
💬 Who’s your pick for the win? Are Red Bull in trouble, or are they just playing the long game? 😉
Drop your predictions below! 👇
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