Lewis Hamilton ‘complained all day’ to Ferrari as Red Bull ask to…read more
The 2025 Formula One season finally began at the Australian Grand Prix after a 91-day break. While Ferrari set the pace during the opening two Friday practice sessions, there was tension in the paddock, particularly for Lewis Hamilton. Although Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc emerged as the fastest in both FP1 and FP2, the overall top five was highly competitive, with Oscar Piastri just a tenth of a second behind Leclerc and McLaren’s Lando Norris also close behind. Racing Bulls’ Yuki Tsunoda took a surprising fourth place, while Hamilton finished in fifth, four-tenths off his Ferrari rival.
Red Bull’s session was marked by unexpected issues. Max Verstappen, the defending champion, struggled and was slower than F1 rookie Isack Hadjar in the other Racing Bull car. Verstappen’s teammate Liam Lawson also had a difficult run, ending up 17th fastest. This raised questions about Red Bull’s performance, as they had been the dominant team in recent years.
This weekend’s race in Melbourne is shaping up to be one of the most unpredictable of recent seasons. The Australian Grand Prix has seen five different winners over the past five years, showcasing the potential for surprises. Last year, Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz triumphed, but this time around, a new winner could emerge from a tightly contested field. Leclerc, Piastri, and Norris are all among the frontrunners, making it a race to watch.
In terms of driver feedback, Hamilton expressed his dissatisfaction with various aspects of his team’s performance. He was particularly vocal about his experience, reportedly “complaining all day” to Ferrari about their setup and strategy. This frustration hints at the challenges Hamilton faces as he strives for better results this season. His performance in the practice sessions also seemed to reflect some of those concerns, as he was not able to match the pace of the Ferraris or McLarens in the top positions.
With the 2025 season being a transitional year before significant changes in the regulations for 2026, this race is likely to hold extra significance for teams looking to end the current technical era on a high. There is an increased sense of uncertainty in the paddock as teams work to extract the most from their cars before the sport undergoes a major overhaul in the near future. The Australian Grand Prix, with its recent history of unpredictable outcomes, could prove to be a pivotal moment in the early stages of this new season.
As the teams head into the rest of the weekend, all eyes will be on how Ferrari, McLaren, and Red Bull adjust, especially with the growing number of potential title contenders.
