Albert Park

The 2025 Australian Grand Prix takes place at the iconic Albert Park Circuit in Melbourne — a part-street, part-permanent track that winds around a picturesque lake. Known for its bumpy surface and unforgiving barriers, Albert Park is a true test of precision and focus for F1 drivers. The presence of grass and gravel off-track adds to the peril, punishing even the smallest mistakes.

One of the most demanding sections of the circuit is the fast-flowing chicane at Turns 11 and 12, where drivers are subjected to serious G-forces as they push the limits of grip through high-speed corners.

A Look Back at Albert Park’s F1 HistorySince its debut in 1996, the Albert Park Circuit has been a central feature of the Formula 1 calendar, frequently hosting the season-opening race. Over the years, it replaced the Adelaide circuit and has become synonymous with thrilling action and challenging conditions. Throughout its history, there have been dramatic crashes and pivotal moments, including Fernando Alonso and Esteban Gutiérrez’s crash in 2016 and Ralf Schumacher and Rubens Barrichello’s memorable incidents in the past.

The 2015 Australian Grand Prix holds the record for the highest retirement rate, with only 11 drivers managing to finish the race. Michael Schumacher still holds the lap record for the track with a time of 1:24.125 set back in 2004.

In recent years, the circuit has undergone several changes aimed at boosting overtaking opportunities. Key corners — Turns 1, 3, 6 and 15 — have been widened to allow cars to run side-by-side more comfortably and encourage daring passing moves. The pit lane has also been widened, with the speed limit raised from 60 to 80 km/h. This change incentivises teams to consider two-stop strategies, potentially adding more unpredictability to the race.

One of the most notable changes has been the removal of the tight chicane at Turns 9 and 10. It has been replaced with a fast, sweeping S-section, giving drivers a greater chance to maintain battles over a longer portion of the lap.

Following incidents during the 2024 Australian Grand Prix, further safety modifications were introduced. The FIA, in collaboration with local organisers, redesigned the kerbs at Turns 6 and 7 to improve car stability. Additionally, tyre barriers were repositioned and bolstered with TecPro safety barriers to reduce the chance of crashed cars bouncing back onto the track.

Max Verstappen has competed at Albert Park eight times. Historically considered a Mercedes stronghold, the introduction of new technical regulations in 2022 has levelled the playing field somewhat. However, 2024 wasn’t kind to the reigning World Champion — Verstappen retired due to a brake issue. Mercedes also struggled, with both George Russell and Lewis Hamilton failing to finish.

Ferrari capitalised on the chaos, with Carlos Sainz taking victory ahead of teammate Charles Leclerc. McLaren's Lando Norris completed the podium, giving British fans something to cheer about. In 2025, Norris's win ended Verstappen's long-standing lead in the Drivers' Championship, placing McLaren at the top of both the Drivers' and Constructors' standings.