Lewis Hamilton experienced frustration during his debut race for Ferrari at the Australian Grand Prix, where Lando Norris claimed victory. The 40-year-old driver finished in 10th place, with his teammate Charles Leclerc coming in P8. The race was marked by unpredictable weather conditions, challenging all drivers, including six rookies on the grid. Kimi Antonelli of Mercedes stood out by finishing behind George Russell, a former teammate of Hamilton, who secured third place behind Max Verstappen.
Hamilton’s race took a turn when he surged ahead on lap 46, benefitting from Ferrari’s decision to stay out on slick tyres despite the heavy rain. However, this decision backfired as he plummeted down the order after a late pit stop. The frustration was evident in Hamilton’s communications with his engineer, Riccardo Adami, as he repeatedly expressed irritation over the team radio. Despite the setback, team boss Fred Vasseur acknowledged the need for improved communication but remained optimistic about learning from the experience.
Italian rookie Antonelli made a strong impression on his debut for Mercedes, finishing in fourth place. However, a five-second penalty initially pushed him down to fifth due to an unsafe release into Nico Hulkenberg’s path. Following an appeal by Mercedes, Antonelli was reinstated to fourth position after stewards reviewed the incident and clarified the circumstances surrounding the penalty.
Unfortunately, not all rookies had a successful debut like Antonelli. Isack Hadjar faced devastation after crashing out during the formation lap at turn two, leading to the destruction of his car’s rear wing. The 20-year-old driver was visibly upset post-retirement, with Red Bull’s Helmut Marko making critical comments about his emotional response. Despite the setback, Red Bull’s team principal, Christian Horner, offered words of encouragement, acknowledging Hadjar’s potential and the positives he could take from the experience.
Anthony Hamilton, Lewis Hamilton’s father, demonstrated compassion by offering support to Hadjar after his crash. Recognising the challenges and emotions involved in a rookie’s debut, Anthony Hamilton extended words of encouragement to the young driver, emphasizing his belief in Hadjar’s talent and resilience.
On a different note, Red Bull’s Liam Lawson faced disappointment in Melbourne, finishing 18th in qualifying and crashing on lap 45 due to heavy rain. McLaren chief Zak Brown questioned Lawson’s promotion to Red Bull, suggesting Yuki Tsunoda, who qualified impressively in P5 and finished 12th, was a more deserving candidate. Brown’s comments added a layer of controversy to Lawson’s performance during his first race since joining Red Bull.
In conclusion, the Australian Grand Prix provided a mix of emotions for drivers, teams, and fans as they witnessed thrilling battles and unexpected outcomes. As the 2025 F1 season kicks off, each race presents new challenges and opportunities for drivers to showcase their skills and determination on the track. Amidst the highs and lows of competition, the spirit of sportsmanship and support shines through, highlighting the unity and camaraderie within the racing community.