This year’s Melbourne event kicks off the 2025 F1 season. The open-wheel cars hit the track for the first time on Friday before local favourite Oscar Piastri snagged second on the grid in Qualifying on Saturday.
Thursday was overcast and cool but things warmed and brightened up on Friday, with a top of 27 as F1 headed out on track for the first time.
The warmer conditions remained on Saturday.
Earlier forecasts from the Bureau of Meteorology predicted showers but instead it saw the mercury soar to 37 degrees – enough to see the cancellation of a scheduled pit walk due to concerns around the heat.
That was replaced by Valtteri Bottas taking to the Albert Park circuit at the wheel of a 1999-spec BAR.
Race day as seen conditions turn, with overnight rain persisting. Temperatures are expected to peak at 22 degrees with a “very high chance of showers” expected.
Heading into Sunday, the Bureau of Meteorology has predicted 95 percent of Melbourne will be hit by rain with possible rainfall from 6mm to 20mm.
That rain arrived overnight and, while it has eased at points, has persistent throughout the morning and saw the Formula 3 race red flagged as a result of crashes in the slippery conditions.
Clear patches of sky visible earlier have disappeared and the weather looks set in, though forecasts do suggest rain will ease this afternoon – likely after the conclusion of the Australian Grand Prix.
The Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix begins at 3pm AEDT.
The Melbourne F1 event features a traditional format, with three practice sessions feeding into qualifying at then the race.
Opening practice begins at 12:30pm local time on Friday with a second hour of running from 4:00pm.
Timings are the same for Saturday with Free Practice 3 at 12:30pm ahead of Qualifying at 4:00pm.
Formula 2 and Formula 3 again form part of the support program, each with two races across the weekend, while Supercars boasts four.
Fans will this year be treated to more racing action too, with Supercars’ third race extended by four laps over last year.
In addition to the event in Albert Park, fans will also be able to experience a free fan festival at Melbourne Park Oval throughout the weekend, with Oscar Piastri and Jack Doohan scheduled to attend on Wednesday.
