After months of speculation, the 2025 Formula 1 season is here.
And the Australian Grand Prix, which opens seasons, could bring pure confusion.
Melbourne's rain and showers remained in the afternoon, and wet conditions forced them to even cancel the scheduled F2 race earlier in the day. Rather than looking at the car on the truck, fans saw ducks swimming in puddles along the Albert Park circuit.
Even between the formation laps of the F2 race, the ducks were not far:
The rain was eased in Melbourne, but during the formation lap of Formula 1 races, a set of fully wet tires was bolted to most fields. Only Lewis Hamilton, in the cusp of Ferrari's debut, had a set of green wall intermediates bolted to his SF-25.
Follow all the laps of Australia's Grand Prix, so follow us when the 2025 F1 season begins
All updates are according to Eastern Time (pre-pre-race) or laps.
2025 Australian Grand Prix Race Coverage
12:08: F1TV continues to show off images of a disrupted Hajar and returns to the VCarb hospitality space, but Lewis' father, Anthony Hamilton, consoles the young driver. An incredible scene.
12:06: According to race controls, formation laps begin at 3:15pm local time (12:15am for East Coast people).
12:04: Before the spin from Hadjar, 19 of the 20 drivers were using intermediate tires. Only Lance's walk was in the complete wet compound.
12:03: Race Control has just issued a cancelled start.
12:01: Isack Hadjar spins the formation lap and hits the wall. His rear wing has been damaged and he is likely out of the race before it starts.
12:00: The formation rap is currently underway in Melbourne.
11:51: Talking to F1TV Red Bull Team Principal Christian Horner is uncertain whether the race will start a grid start or have a safety car start due to the wet conditions.
11:45: Due to changes made to RB21 during the Parc Ferme, Liam Lawson starts with Pit Lane. He joins Rookie Oliver Bareman as Haas changed the suspension to the Bareman VF-25 under Parc Ferme conditions.
