Race One - 2025 Australian GP [Melbourne Park]

[Nitrodaze]

Has there ever been a time like this when the entire F1 community was so eager for the season opener to arrive? We go into the start of the season with no clear indication of the true pecking order of the grid. While most would agree McLaren appears to be ahead, most would also not be too surprised if that turns out not to be the case by the end of the race at Melbourne Park.

This is one season that could be full of surprises, drama and changes of fortune all the way to Abu Dhabi. While most have an idea which team might win the Constructor's championship. Very few can confidently say who would win the driver's championship.

It is very tight at the sharp end of the grid. So tight, such that there is very little room for mistakes. A bad weekend could spell trouble for any of the contending drivers. This is a season that demands, perfection, consistency and determination. This is a season that would be impatient of excuses, where luck could make an unlikely champion to emerge from obscurity. Or for long overdue championship contenders to step into the limelight.

This season is the stuff of folklore and the making of legends. As the world holds its breath on the prospects of World War Three, we can, in the interim distract ourselves on a season full of such promise to fully entertain.

So l dare you to name your drivers for the podium of this Australian GP.

[gm99]

Ferrari have usually done well in Albert Park, winning four of the last six races there.
So I would not be surprised to see at least one driver dressed in red up on the podium on Sunday. Maybe Hamilton will even have a fairy-tale start to his Ferrari career, much like Mansell (another Brit) had in 1989.
McLaren haven't won down under since Button did the deed in 2012, but I would still expect one Papaya-clad driver on the rostrum as well.
Last place on my podium will go either to a second Ferrari or McLaren or Russell's Mercedes.

So just to upset the Aussies, I'll go for a pommy lockout of Hamilton-Norris-Russell

[N. Jones]

Are we thinking someone will get their first ever win, or will a former winner take the top step?

[Matthew]

Rain is likely to interrupt the race on Sunday but it doesn't matter how the weather will be during the race weekend, there will be plenty to enjoy for the fans in and around the circuit with a range of activities and events are happening including Q&A sessions, racing simulators, live music performances from the likes of Baker Boy and The Living End and much more.

[Used to be Starter]

Are we thinking someone will get their first ever win, or will a former winner take the top step?

I'll predict 1)Red Bull, 2)Ferrari, 3)Mercedes, 4)Ferrari, 5)Williams, 6) a rookie.