F1 2025 Qualifying: Australian Grand Prix Kicks Off with Hamilton’s Ferrari Debut—Start Time, TV Channel, and Live St…..read more
The 2025 Formula 1 season officially begins this weekend with the highly anticipated Australian Grand Prix, marking the first qualifying session of the year. Taking place at the iconic Albert Park Circuit in Melbourne, Saturday’s session will determine the first pole-sitter of the season, giving fans a clearer picture of the pecking order for the upcoming campaign.
While every season opener is exciting, this year’s Australian Grand Prix has an added layer of intrigue, as it marks Lewis Hamilton’s first official race weekend with Ferrari. The seven-time world champion’s move from Mercedes to Scuderia Ferrari has been one of the biggest stories in motorsport, with fans eager to see if this partnership can bring Hamilton the record-breaking eighth world title he has been chasing.
However, one of the biggest questions heading into Saturday’s qualifying session is whether Hamilton has managed to shake off his struggles from last season. His qualifying performances in 2024 were inconsistent, often putting him on the back foot during race day. But with a new car, new team, and renewed motivation, the F1 legend will be hoping to make a strong first impression in Ferrari red.
Can Ferrari Deliver a Title-Winning Car?
Hamilton’s success with Ferrari will not only depend on his driving ability but also on whether Scuderia Ferrari has provided him and his teammate, Charles Leclerc, with a car capable of fighting at the front.
The pre-season testing results provided a mixed picture. While Ferrari showed strong race pace and solid one-lap speed, the general consensus was that McLaren might be the team to beat when it comes to raw qualifying performance. If that turns out to be true, Saturday’s session could see Lando Norris or Oscar Piastri securing pole position, making them the early favorites for Sunday’s race.
However, Friday’s practice sessions painted a different story. Both Leclerc and Hamilton looked competitive, hinting that Ferrari may have unlocked additional performance heading into the weekend. While Red Bull, Mercedes, and Aston Martin are also expected to be in the mix, it appears that the battle for pole position could primarily be between Ferrari and McLaren.
Why This Qualifying Session is Crucial
Beyond just determining the starting grid, this first qualifying session of 2025 will provide critical insights into where each team truly stands. Pre-season testing only gives a rough idea of car performance, but qualifying at Albert Park will be the first true competitive test of the season.
For Hamilton, a strong showing will set the tone for his Ferrari career and potentially silence his critics. Meanwhile, for Leclerc, this is a chance to remind everyone that he remains Ferrari’s main man—even with a seven-time champion as his teammate.
For McLaren, if they can secure pole, it will confirm that they have built a car capable of challenging for the 2025 world championship. And for Red Bull and Mercedes, their qualifying performance will indicate whether they are still title contenders or if they have fallen behind in the development race.
How to Watch the Australian Grand Prix Qualifying Live
If you don’t want to miss a second of the action, here’s how you can watch F1 qualifying for the Australian Grand Prix live:
Start Time: Qualifying begins at 4:00 PM AEDT (Melbourne time) on Saturday, March 15.
Time in Nigeria: 6:00 AM WAT (West Africa Time) on Saturday, March 15.
Live Stream: Fans can watch the session live on F1 TV Pro, which offers exclusive coverage, onboard cameras, and real-time analytics.
TV Broadcast: Check your local sports channels, as coverage varies depending on your country.
What to Expect from Saturday’s Qualifying
While McLaren may have been tipped as favorites heading into the weekend, Ferrari’s impressive practice pace suggests they could challenge for pole position. Meanwhile, Red Bull and Mercedes are expected to be in the mix, but neither team has shown dominant performance levels so far.
Expect a close fight for the front row, with Leclerc, Hamilton, Norris, and Piastri likely to be the main contenders. The track conditions and tyre strategies will also play a crucial role in determining the outcome, making this one of the most unpredictable season-opening qualifying sessions in recent history.
Regardless of the result, one thing is certain—Formula 1 is back, and the 2025 season is shaping up to be a thrilling battle for supremacy.
