The excitement for the 2025 Australian Grand Prix started on a chaotic note, as the weather caused major disruptions.
Torrential rain led to the cancellation of the Formula 2 feature race, which was supposed to take place ahead of the Grand Prix.
Originally scheduled for 11:30 AM, the race was delayed as large puddles formed on the track, and despite an initial “track clear” message at 11:54 AM, the race couldn’t proceed due to worsening conditions.
Wet and Wild Conditions Await F1 Drivers
With the rain continuing to pour on Albert Park, we’re in for a challenging race ahead.
Sky Sports’ Martin Brundle couldn’t help but comment on how the broadcasters were struggling to stay on their feet, clearly feeling the intensity of the storm.
The rain is expected to last for the next few hours, which means the drivers will need to stay sharp as they navigate a slippery and unpredictable track.
Ted Kravitz in the pit lane also chimed in, acknowledging how challenging the conditions were.
“This could not be more difficult conditions for the first race of the year,” he said, adding that visibility on the track is nearly impossible with water spraying up behind the cars.
If the rain continues, we might be in for a stop-start race.
McLaren’s Zak Brown Predicts Safety Car Start
McLaren boss Zak Brown gave his thoughts on how the race might unfold, predicting that it could begin with a rolling safety car start due to the poor visibility.
However, he expressed optimism that the conditions would improve later in the race.
Brown also revealed that Lando Norris had chosen to start with intermediate tires, a decision made to handle the wet track conditions.
The Grid and Lewis Hamilton’s Struggles
When it came to the grid, Lando Norris topped the timesheets, edging out Max Verstappen for pole position.
His teammate, Oscar Piastri, will start in second place, and he’s hoping to become the first Australian to win on home soil in Melbourne since 1980.
On the other hand, Lewis Hamilton, now racing for Ferrari, had a rough start to his season.
He ended up in eighth place, but what really caught attention was his admission that he didn’t know where the “wet button” was in his new Ferrari.
With rain predicted for the race, Hamilton is certainly going to have to adapt quickly.
F1 Returns to Melbourne After 2019
This race also marks the return of the Australian Grand Prix to Melbourne after a hiatus since 2019, and the weather has already made it an unforgettable weekend.
The rain and moderate winds are expected to continue throughout the next few hours, which means drivers will face some tricky conditions.
Even though the weather is far from ideal, the excitement around the F1 season is palpable.
A Promising Start to the Season
It’s been a long wait since the Abu Dhabi GP in December, but the new season is finally here, and the build-up has been thrilling.
McLaren has shown strong consistency, with Norris and Piastri starting from the front row.
After securing the Constructors’ Championship last year, McLaren is aiming to continue their success in 2025.
Of course, Max Verstappen is the favorite to defend his title and secure his fifth consecutive championship, but with McLaren’s strong showing, the season promises to be competitive.
Stay tuned for all the action from the Australian Grand Prix, as this wet and wild start to the season could set the tone for what’s shaping up to be one of the most thrilling campaigns in recent memory.