2025 Formula 1 Australian GP Tips - Charles Leclerc claims the first race of the F1 season

Jeremy Darke

Editor

Last updated: 12 Mar 2025

Listen

Jeremy Darke 12 Mar 2025

Share this article

Leclerc has finished on the podium in 2 of the last 3 Australian Grand Prix
The action starts in Australia at 3:00 PM AEST on Sunday, March 16
2025 F1 season begins in Melbourne, Albert Park circuit known for past Ferrari success.
Track demands balance between top speed and moderate downforce with notable braking points.
Ferrari's Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton expected to perform strongly, with Norris as a top qualifier.

Jez and Ryan chat about the the Jack Doohan pressure at Alpine in 2025.

2025 Formula 1 Australian GP Preview & Tips

Ferrari will kick off the Formula 1 season with a victory in Melbourne, Australia at the Albert Park street circuit where they have had success and showed plenty of pace over the last few years.

2025 Formula 1 Australian GP Preview & Tips
2025 Formula 1 Australian GP Qualifying Best Bet
2025 Formula 1 Australian GP Best Bet
Formula 1 Race Grand Prix Frequently Asked Questions

The long Formula 1 season gets underway in Australia, with Albert Park returning as the opening race of the season for the first time since 2019.

The Albert Park Circuit is 5.303km long and Formula One cars average 250.3km/h at a top speed of 336.3km7h. After a full resurface before the 2022 season and adjustments to the chaicane at turns 9 & 10, the Albert Park circuit became the third fastest track on the F1 calendar.

Due to its top speeds, moderate downforce is still needed as there are heavy braking points all over the track but especially into turns 1,3 and 13. Finding the balance between top speed and the right amount of downforce to get the car around the tight turns is the knack to unlock this circuit.

2025 Formula 1 Australian GP Qualifying Best Bet

Lando Norris and World Champion Max Verstappen were tied with 8 pole positions each in 2024. Verstappen has claimed the first spot on the grid in the previous two Australian Grand Prix, with Charles Leclerc the fastest qualifier in 2022.

There are clouds hanging over the Red Bull team in 2025, likely at all of us punters peril who back against the four-time world champion.

2024 runner-up Lando Norris finished the 2024 Australian Grand Prix in third after qualifying in fourth on the grid. Norris pace improved dramatically throughout last season, especially in qualy and the McLaren is tipped to stand at the front of the grid on Sunday as the young Brit pushes the limits of the papaya early beating out the pace of the Verstappen and the Ferraris.

2025 Formula 1 Australian GP Best Bet

With Lewis Hamilton joining the Ferrari stable this is going to push Charles Leclerc as he also learns from arguably the best Formula 1 driver in the history of the sport.

It is important for the Monarcian to get some early results in the season to stamp his dominance in the team and constantly out qualify and more importantly out race his veteran teammate.

Leclerc won the Australian Grand Prix in 2022 and finished second behind his Ferrari teammate Carlos Sainz in the 2024 event.

The F1-75 has proven its strengths at similar track layouts over the last few seasons. The Scuderia Ferrari performs best at high speed tracks with heavy braking points, which is exactly what the Albert Park Circuit presents.

There could be a dream start in the Italian team for Lewis Hamilton and if the rain is still expected on Sunday, don’t be shy on putting a sprinkle on the Brit, however, the pick is his teammate Charles Leclerc.

Formula 1 Race Grand Prix Frequently Asked Questions

What time does the Formula 1 Australian GP start?

The Australian Formula 1 Grand Prix starts at 3:00 PM AEST on Sunday, March 16

What Channel is the Formula 1 Australian GP on?

You can watch the Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix on Fox Sports Channel 506.

Verdict

2025 Formula 1 Australian GP

Lando Norris and his McLaren will take pole position, however the race pace of the Ferrari of Charles Leclerc will be superior.

Lando Norris

Fastest Qualifier

$2.87 - 1 Unit

The Betting Brand

For Racing Fans

Join Australia's trusted online bookmaker with code BETSAU and enjoy exciting new ways to bet. What are you prepared to lose today? Set a deposit limit.

Bet at Betr

Charles Leclerc

Race Winner

$4.75 - 1 Unit

Bet at PlayUp

Your Best Bet - Proudly Australian

18+ only. Gamble Responsibly. Ts and Cs apply.

Bet at PlayUP