As Formula One prepares to open a season that promises to be a spectacular battle royale, Melbourne’s Albert Park provides the perfect venue to kick things off in style.
The true form for the year ahead remains uncertain after the opening day of practice in Australia. However, with the cars zipping around the picturesque parkland circuit in the heart of the city, the excitement is undeniable. This marks the return of Australia as the opening race of the season for the first time since the Covid pandemic abruptly ended proceedings in 2020 before the race even took place.
The atmosphere now could not be more different. Melbourne embraces F1 with open enthusiasm, making the city an electrifying hub of fans and entertainment throughout race week. The event epitomizes what the sport aspires to create at every destination on the calendar.
Local hero Oscar Piastri, who grew up just 15 minutes from Albert Park, finds himself at the center of the excitement. The Australian, considered a strong title contender, has even inspired a signature wagyu burger on sale in local restaurants, featuring a black bun decorated with McLaren-papaya sesame seeds.
The circuit itself, situated around a scenic lake populated by elegant red-billed black swans, exudes a festival-like atmosphere filled with color and energy. Fans flocked to the track as early as Thursday, eager to catch support series action, including the Supercars race, which was briefly interrupted when a family of ducks calmly crossed the track, unfazed by the thundering machines around them.
By Friday, the circuit was packed with spectators, the busiest it has been for practice in years. Supporters of every team cheered enthusiastically and gathered at the “Melbourne Walk,” also signed as “Narrm Yanith” in the Woiwurrung language of the Wurundjeri people. This short path, connecting the paddock to the car parks, offers fans a chance to see their favorite drivers up close, greeting them with rock-star levels of excitement.
Fans were eager to gauge how their favorite drivers would fare in this highly anticipated opener. With the current regulations set to change next year, teams appear to have converged in competitiveness, making this weekend a crucial indicator of the season ahead.
McLaren entered the weekend as favorites after an impressive pre-season testing period, but driver Lando Norris sought to manage expectations. “I feel like we’re in a similar playing field to the other top three teams,” he said.
Despite his cautious outlook, McLaren set the early pace in first practice. Williams showcased strong form, with Carlos Sainz finishing second, while Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc took third. Lewis Hamilton, now racing for Ferrari, could only manage 12th place, while defending champion Max Verstappen finished fifth for Red Bull.
Ferrari team principal Fréd Vasseur remained unconcerned about Hamilton’s initial struggles, citing the Briton’s need to adapt to his new team and car. “It’s not that he has to be at the limit in one session. You can’t draw conclusions after a first session,” he noted. “I have absolutely no doubt that he will be able to perform soon.”
In the afternoon session, under warm Victorian sunshine, McLaren remained strong, but it was Leclerc who topped the timesheets, followed by Piastri and Norris. Hamilton improved to fifth, while Verstappen placed seventh. The Dutchman has downplayed his chances for the opening race, citing unresolved issues that hindered the team in the latter half of last season.
With rain forecasted for Sunday, conditions could add an extra layer of unpredictability. If Piastri capitalizes on his home advantage, he may have a historic opportunity to become the first Australian to claim a podium at his home grand prix.
