Melbourne to Host Opening Round of 2025 Formula 1 Season

Melbourne is set to reclaim its spot as the host of the opening round of the 2025 Formula 1 season, marking a return to the top spot on the calendar for the Australian Grand Prix after a hiatus since 2019. The race is scheduled to take place on 16 March, making it the earliest running of the event since 2015.

The decision to move the season opener to Melbourne was influenced by the timing of Ramadan, which prevented Bahrain from maintaining its traditional position at the head of the calendar. With a record-equalling 24-round calendar announced by Formula 1 and the FIA, Australia stepped in to fill the void.

Under the terms of its current contract, Melbourne is guaranteed the rights to host the season-opening round at least five times before the deal expires in 2037. This upcoming race will mark the first time the city hosts the opening round under this agreement.

Fans can expect an exciting start to the season as they will witness Lewis Hamilton’s debut race for Ferrari following his departure from Mercedes. The British driver has only won the Australian Grand Prix twice in his career, putting him behind the likes of Michael Schumacher, Jenson Button, and Sebastian Vettel in terms of victories at the event.

With Melbourne-born Oscar Piastri and Alpine reserve driver Jack Doohan also in the mix, the 2025 Australian Grand Prix promises to be a thrilling race with plenty of local talent on display. The city has consistently broken attendance records since the race returned post-pandemic, with this year’s event drawing a record 132,106 fans on race day.

As the Formula 1 season kicks off in Melbourne, the excitement is palpable, setting the stage for what promises to be a thrilling year of racing ahead.