March 17, 2025
The first race of the new Formula 1 season is when the talking is supposed to stop, but we all know that’s not what happens in practice. The opening exchanges usually give rise to at least as many questions as they answer, and the Australian Grand Prix was no exception. Here are just a few stories to watch next week in China:
1. How fast are McLaren?
Formula 1 teams do so little testing nowadays that making predictions before the lights go out at the first race is a mug’s game, but the pundits got one thing right: McLaren are the team to beat. They looked like they had everything under control at Albert Park, but given the unrepresentative conditions and the fact the race was interrupted by three safety cars, we haven’t seen anyone’s true pace yet. The Chinese Grand Prix should provide a more reliable indication of the task facing the chasing pack.
2. What happened to Ferrari?
Ferrari dominated the headlines over the winter and the tifosi were in optimistic mood, but the longer the cars spent on track, the more that optimism evaporated. Eighth and tenth is certainly not the start the Maranello squad would have envisaged, and the way the red cars dropped down the pecking order after a strong start on Friday will prompt considerable head-scratching. We keep hearing there is potential in the SF-25: will the drivers be able to unlock it next weekend?
3. Can Liam Lawson tame the Red Bull?
Liam Lawson is unlikely to have been under any illusions about the challenge of being team-mate to Max Verstappen, but any he might have entertained will have been well and truly dispelled in Australia. The Kiwi trailed Verstappen throughout the weekend and qualified 15 places behind the Dutchman. If Red Bull are to challenge for championships, he needs to close that gap sooner rather than later.
4. How good is Andrea Kimi Antonelli?
Lando Norris was voted Driver of the Day in Melbourne, but Andrea Kimi Antonelli would have been equally deserving of the accolade. The debutant showed impressive maturity in treacherous conditions, making up 15 places to finish fourth while many of his more experienced rivals lost their heads (not to mention wings, wheels and suspension parts). One swallow does not a summer make, but the first Italian to compete in Formula 1 since 2021 has made a great start. Now he needs to build on it.
5. Who will head “Class B”?
Some of Formula 1’s big names underperformed Down Under, but assuming the big four eventually resume normal service at the sharp end of the field, the battle for best of the rest promises to be as cut-throat as ever. The outstanding performer in Melbourne was Alex Albon, who again underlined his credentials by bringing his Williams home fifth, but Aston Martin, RB and a much-improved Sauber all showed flashes of pace. The “midfield” scrap will be fascinating to watch – and certainly not for the feint-hearted.
