MOTORSPORT: Melbourne to open 2025 F1 season
Albert Park to host Lewis Hamilton’s first Ferrari appearance ahead of a 24-race seasonThe 2025 Formula 1 calendar has dropped and Melbourne’s Albert Park is set to open the season, with the potential for the event to witness a radically different grid composition.
Scheduled for March 13-16, the Australian Grand Prix will play host to seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton’s first event for Ferrari, with the cascading effects into the silly season and off-contract drivers potentially seeing over half of the grid switch combinations.
Another question mark remains around the status of reigning world champion Max Verstappen and his possible move away from Red Bull, which has been mired in off-track controversy in recent times.
For Melbourne, the added focus of being the season-opener will add to the prestige of the event, which last month saw a record four-day attendance of 452,055, thanks to sell-out crowds on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
That event was also a TV hit, with Network 10 enjoying its biggest-ever livestream audience, while it was also Kayo Sports’ highest-ever weekend of viewing.
“After the resounding success of the Formula 1 Rolex Australian Grand Prix 2024, we are already looking forward to 2025 and the opportunities we have to continue to grow and improve the fan experience,” said Travis Auld, Australian Grand Prix Corporation CEO.
“We know fans are excited for Melbourne to be the season opener, and the debut of Lewis at Ferrari will make it an even more highly anticipated race.”
Australia's position at the head of the schedule is due to Ramadan falling in March, causing the Middle East swing to be moved back in the calendar.
Otherwise, the cadence of the schedule largely follows a similar order to the 2024 season.
“2025 will be a special year as we celebrate the 75th Anniversary of the FIA Formula One World Championship, and it’s that legacy and experience that allows us to deliver such a strong calendar, said Stefano Domenicali, F1 President and CEO.
“Once again, we’ll visit 24 incredible venues around the world, delivering top class racing, hospitality, and entertainment, which will be enjoyed by millions of fans worldwide.
“We’re grateful to the FIA, our promoters, host city partners, and all the related ASNs for their commitment and support in delivering this schedule and securing what promises to be another fantastic year for Formula 1.
“I would also like to pay tribute to our F1 teams and drivers, the heroes of our sport, and our fans around the world for continuing to follow Formula 1 with such incredible enthusiasm.”
Next up on the 2024 F1 schedule is the Chinese GP on April 21.
2025 F1 calendar:
- March 14-16 – Australia Melbourne
- March 21-23 – China Shanghai
- April 4-6 – Japan Suzuka
- April 11-13 – Bahrain Sakhir
- April 18-20 – Saudi Arabia Jeddah
- May 2-4 – USA Miami
- May 16-18 – Italy Imola
- May 23-25 – Monaco Monaco
- May 30 – June 1 – Spain Barcelona
- June 13-15 – Canada Montreal
- June 27-29 – Austria Spielberg
- July 4-6 – United Kingdom Silverstone
- July 25-27 – Belgium Spa
- August 1-3 – Hungary Budapest
- August 29-31 – Netherlands Zandvoort
- September 5-7 – Italy Monza
- September 19-21 – Azerbaijan Baku
- October 3-5 – Singapore Singapore
- October 17-19 – USA Austin
- October 24-26 – Mexico Mexico City
- November 7-9 – Brazil Sao Paulo
- November 20-22 – USA Las Vegas
- November 28-30 – Qatar Lusail
- December 5-7 – Abu Dhabi Yas Marina
Related: MOTORSPORT: Verstappen dominates Japanese GP
Related: MOTORSPORT: Ferrari claims awesome Australian F1 Grand Prix
Related: MOTORSPORT: Verstappen F1 streak continues
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