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      Lando Norris celebrates dream start to F1 season at Australian GP qualifying but more struggles ahead for Hamilton

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      LANDO NORRIS produced a blistering drive to secure pole position in qualifying as his title charge began. When the British 24-year-old crossed the line, he said: “What an amazing way to start the year. An unbelievable car. Let’s keep it up baby.”Lando Norris started his title charge by taking pole in AustraliaCredit: GettyIt was a front row lockout for McLaren as Oscar Piastri scored P2, while Max Verstappen only managed thirdCredit: ReutersLewis Hamilton had a tough qualifying as he spun out before only managing P8Credit: AFPHis McLaren team-mate Oscar Piastri came in second in front of his home crowd in Melbourne while Max Verstappen looked dejected as he had to settle for third. Lewis Hamilton struggled on his Ferrari qualifying debut, clearly still getting to grips with the car as he finished all the way down in eighth. It’s also 1-0 to Charles Leclerc in their qualifying head-to-head, with the Monegasque out qualifying his new team-mate by two tenths of a second in the end and finishing seventh.Hamilton said to his engineer Riccardo Adami after the session: “I don’t know what happened there, mate.”READ MORE IN F1To which Adami replied: “Tough one. Overall a good job.”Hamilton even spun during Q2 of his first qualifying session, but thankfully managed to advance to the pole-position shootout. Two Williams drivers reached Q3 at Albert Park for the first time in ten years, with Carlos Sainz in 10th and Alex Albon finishing in sixth.It was a bad day in the office for Mercedes rookie Andrea Kimi Antonelli who was booted out in Q1 in P16 while his team-mate George Russell produced a solid drive to grab fourth.Most read in MotorsportJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSRed Bull’s Liam Lawson looked no better than Sergio Perez, who he replaced at the team, with a scruffy performance leaving him axed in Q1 in 18th. It was also a surprisingly quick session for Yuki Tsunoda and Racing Bulls, with the Japanese driver qualifying in P5 while rookie team-mate Isack Hadjar finished P11.Behind the scenes in Australia GP paddock including F1 star Lewis Hamilton’s new Ferrari baseElsewhere it was a nightmare day for Haas, as they qualified as the bottom two with Ollie Bearman not even setting a lap after a problem with his gearbox.F1 Australia results1. Lando Norris (McLaren)2. Oscar Piastri (McLaren)3. Max Verstappen (Red Bull)4. George Russell (Mercedes)5. Yuki Tsunoda (Racing Bulls)6. Alex Albon (Williams)7. Charles Leclerc (Ferrari)8. Lewis Hamilton (Ferrari)9. Pierre Gasly (Alpine)10. Carlos Sainz (Williams)11. Isack Hadjar (Racing Bulls)12. Fernando Alonso (Aston Martin)13. Lance Stroll (Aston Martin)14. Jack Doohan (Alpine)15. Gabriel Bortoleto (Sauber)16. Kimi Antonelli (Mercedes)17. Nico Hulkenberg (Sauber)18. Liam Lawson (Red Bull)19. Esteban Ocon (Haas)20. Oliver Bearman (Haas) More

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      F1 chief in talks to add mouthwatering new street race to calendar in city loved by Brits

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      FORMULA ONE CEO Stefano Domenicali has teased plans to add a mouthwatering new race to the calendar.The boom in popularity of F1 since the takeover of Liberty Media has seen an increase in the number of races during the season from 20 in 2017 to 24 in 2025 – the most there have ever been.F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali has hinted at the possibility of a race in ThailandCredit: GettyThe track would be a street race in Bangkok, a hotspot for UK touristsCredit: GettyHowever, expanding the calendar even more, or at least replacing traditional races with new markets, is an idea actively being explored by F1 chiefs.The 2025 F1 season is starting this weekend in Melbourne, Australia, however, straight afterwards Domenicali has revealed he will be travelling to Thailand to discuss a potential race being held in Bangkok.Speaking to Sky Sports, Domenicali said: “I think that the good thing that we were able to do in the last couple of years is to focus on the places that we do believe represent the future for F1.”We receive a lot of attention from other places in the world. READ MORE IN F1″By the way, I’m just finishing the race here in Melbourne, I go to Bangkok to see [if] there is a potential interest from the government to develop something there.”Thailand is reported to have welcomed more than 35 million tourists in 2024 – the highest numbers since 2017.And it is estimated that in 2023 more than 460,000 tourists from the United Kingdom made the journey to the Southeast Asian country.So it would stand to reason that an F1 race in Thailand would also attract plenty of tourists from the UK.Most read in MotorsportCheltenham Festival betting offers and free betsThai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin was seen in attendance at last season’s Emilia Romagna Grand Prix before he revealed there had been discussions over a race in the country.He had written: “In line with the Thai Government’s intention to bring F1 racing to Thailand in the near future, I visited the Autodromo Enzo e Dino Ferrari and had a discussion with executives of the Formula One Group.Ollie Bearman suffers worst possible start to F1 season “This resonates with our policy to place Thailand on the global radar for international events and activities.”This season F1 has three races in Asia; China, Japan and Singapore, while there have previously been races in Malaysia, South Korea and India.F1 was set to host the first ever Vietnam GP after signing a 10-year deal in 2018 worth £540million.However, it was axed due to the coronavirus pandemic and later dropped and deserted after city mayor Nguyen Duc Chung – a major supporter of the race – was arrested and later sent to prison on charges of corruption.Earlier this week, it was announced Domenicali had signed a new deal to carry on as F1 CEO until 2029.Races all over the world have been touted, with potential returns to Africa and a new race in South America, possibly Argentina, being heavily speculated.Domenicali added: “We have other places in Europe, and as you know there are interests in Africa, there are interests in South America now.”READ MORE SUN STORIESHowever, adding a new street race to the calendar may spark controversy among fans who are upset that traditional tracks are being replaced by tracks which are not designed to promote good racing.Las Vegas has been a controversial addition to the calendar despite the spectacle it delivers, while Miami has also proven to be divisive among fans for the quality of racing it produces. More

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      Every F1 rule change revealed ahead of new season with fastest lap bonus point scrapped and swearing sanctions

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      FORMULA ONE is going to look a little different in 2025 – after a host of new rules.The new F1 season is set to be one of the closest title fights in modern history when it kick starts in Melbourne on Sunday.This season is the latest before a major change in regulationsDefending champion Max Verstappen will begin his F1 title defence this weekendBefore lights out at the Australian Grand Prix this weekend, several key technical and regulatory tweaks will come into effect.Most are in response to controversies that occurred last season, before the major overhaul to technical regulations from 2026.Here SunSport runs you through the main ones that are worth knowing about.Goodbye fastest lap bonus pointSince 2019, a driver that finished in the top 10 of a race was eligible for an extra championship point if they set the fastest lap.READ MORE F1 NEWSBut this rule – the only change to the points system- has been removed in arguably the biggest of the changes introduced.While the bonus point had led to drivers pushing in the closing stages of races, there had been controversy over teams making late pit stops or attempts to block rivals.This was notable when drivers outside the top 10 posted the fastest lap, which took the bonus away from title contenders. Last season, Daniel Ricciardo denied Lando Norris an extra point for the fastest lap of the race at the 2024 Singapore Grand Prix.Most read in MotorsportRicciardo was driving for Red Bull’s junior team Visa Cash App RB.Norris was locked in a tight fight with Red Bull’s Max Verstappen for the drivers title – which can be lost and won with a single point.Daniel Ricciardo pitted to change to soft tyres and go for the fastest lap time in SingaporeCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSHeavier cars and cooling systemsIf you believe the current F1 cars are too big, we have some bad news for you.Car mass is up 2kg from 798kg to 800kg this season, which combines both cars and drivers. The change is due to the minimum driver weight having been increased by 2kg from 80kg to 82kg, which partially accounts for the taller drivers such as George Russell and Esteban Ocon.Driver weight includes their helmet, race suit and shoes. Teams will also be required to fit a mandated driver cooling system in the event of a heat hazard.The hazard would be declared when the temperature is forecast to be 31 degrees or above during a sprint or Grand Prix race.Car weights will be increased by 2kg for practice, qualifying and sprint qualifying when cooling systems are required.Russell was heartbreakingly stripped of his Belgian GP win last season, when his car was found underweight after it was drained of fuel during the usual post-race checks.Car mass is up 2kg from 798kg to 800kg this seasonRed Bull’s Christian Horner gives low down on car before F1 season kicks off with Australian Grand Prix Mini-DRS and flexible wings One of the main technical points that arose during the 2024 campaign was McLaren’s rear-wing design.At high speeds the rear wing of the MCL38 tilted backward under heavy aerodynamic load, creating a gap in the win that was termed a “mini-DRS.”While McLaren was instructed to alter their design in September, the FIA has tightened up the technical regulations regarding both the rear wing and the Drag Reduction System (DRS).The FIA have tightened technical regulations regarding the rear wing and Drag Reduction System.Under the new regulations outlined in Article 3.10 of the Technical Regulations, the minimum gap in the rear wing has decreased from 10-15mm to 9.4-13mm. The FIA will introduce stricter front wing regulations to come into force at the Spanish GP in June – much to Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko’s dismay.The FIA tightened technical regulations regarding the rear wing and Drag Reduction SystemF1 2025 gridHere are the confirmed driver line ups for the F1 2025 season:Red Bull: Max Verstappen and Liam LawsonFerrari: Charles Leclerc and Lewis HamiltonMercedes: George Russell and Kimi AntonelliMcLaren: Lando Norris and Oscar PiastriAston Martin: Fernando Alonso and Lance StrollWilliams: Alex Albon and Carlos SainzSauber: Nico Hulkenberg and Gabriel BortoletoAlpine: Pierre Gasly and Jack DoohanRB: Yuki Tsunoda and Isack HadjarHaas: Ollie Bearman and Esteban OconNo swearingDrivers face possible one-month BANS if they repeatedly swear or criticise the governing body.The controversial move is prompted by FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem’s determination to cut out bad language.Verstappen was the first big victim of this clampdown after he used X-rated language during a press conference at the Singapore GP.The four-time world champion was ordered do “community service” and spend time with grassroot competitors in Rwanda.Under the new guidelines, a first offence would result in a £33,750 fine, a second offence £67,4300 and a suspended one-month ban. A third offence would bring a £100,000 fine, a one-month ban and the deduction of championship points.F1 personnel could also be punished for causing moral injury or loss to the FIA; incitement to violence or hatred; political, religious or personal statements that do not align with FIA neutrality.Failure to comply with FIA instructions at official ceremonies is also punishable.Max Verstappen was not impressed after being told off for swearing at a press conferenceMohammed Ben Sulayem wants to cut out bad languageTwo-stop race in MonacoF1 has made Monaco a two-stop minimum Grand Prix in bid to improve racing.It’s mainly in response to drivers – namely Hamilton’s- complaints last year after an early red flag allowed a free tyre change.This meant they adhered to the regulated stop before completing the circuit without further changes.A lack of overtaking at the iconic street circuit has been criticised for affecting the spectacle of the event.Tweaks to qualifying based on championship positionThis is to cover the situation in Brazil last year when qualifying was touch and go due to bad weather.The forecast of more heavy rain from mid-afternoon in Sao Paulo led to the decision to bring the race time forward.That saw qualifying moved to an early start time because there must be a minimum of four hours between the end of qualifying and the start of the race.So, the grid for the race will be defined by the drivers championship position, IF qualifying cannot take place.This is to cover off the situation in Brazil last year if qualifying could not have gone ahead due to bad weatherCredit: RexMore practice for rookies and test timeThe mandatory FP1 running for rookie drivers has been expanded for 2025.Each team will be required to run four young drivers free practice sessions.This is an increase over the previous requirement of two.Teams will choose which weekends their rookies will participate in, with the finale in Abu Dhabi often being a favourite.During the season, teams have a limited allowance of testing of previous cars – which are aged between two and four years old. READ MORE SUN STORIESThey will not be allowed to exceed 1,000km of running in total.Teams can only have one of these cars available to run during a test at any time. More

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      Meet F1 newbie Liam Lawson’s stunning girlfriend Hannah St. John, who is also a model and was a medical student

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      THIS season promises to be an exciting one for F1 newbie Liam Lawson.The New Zealand driver, 22, is the No2 man at Red Bull, where he is expected to help Max Verstappen win his fifth world title.Meet gorgeous Hannah St. John, the girlfriend of a new F1 rookieCredit: INSTAGRAM @hannahstjohnHannah will be cheering on Red Bull this seasonCredit: INSTAGRAM @hannahstjohnShe is the girlfriend of Red Bull’s No2 driver Liam LawsonCredit: GettyTheir F1 campaign begins on Sunday at the Australian Grand Prix.Cheering Lawson on will be the woman at his side, Hannah St. John, who you can expect to see much more of in the paddock.Hannah and Lawson have been in a romance for two years.The pair regularly post intimate images of each other on Instagram – sharing loving moments.Read more F1 newsBut, there’s more to Hannah than meets the eye.She’s at a top uniHannah studied biological and biomedical sciences at Arizona State University.She graduated back in December, celebrating the moment on social media.She captioned a graduation snap: “3.5 years later… I am honored, privileged, and blessed to graduate magna cum laude with a Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Sciences.Most read in Motorsport”I am deeply grateful to my family and friends for their unwavering love and support throughout this journey…”Red Bull’s Christian Horner gives low down on car before F1 season kicks off with Australian Grand Prix Aside from her studies, Hannah is also, rather unsurprisingly, a model.The beauty has already amassed over 40,000 followers on Instagram.She treats her fans to her epic lifestyle, which included being back stage at Luke Combs’ Nashville concert last January.Hannah also shares plenty of bikini snaps online, showing off her enviable figure.To top it off, she enjoys travelling – most recently, she went on a glam ski strip to Deer Valley in Utah.Hannah shares a selfie to her 40,000 plus followers on InstagramCredit: INSTAGRAM @hannahstjohnHannah gives her followers a glimpse into her epic lifestyleCredit: INSTAGRAM @hannahstjohnHannah graduated from Arizona State University in DecemberCredit: INSTAGRAM @hannahstjohnLawson and Hannah have been dating for two yearsCredit: INSTAGRAM @hannahstjohnKeeping it privateLawson and Hannah haven’t revealed much about their relationship.But, she has had experience of being in the paddock before.READ MORE SUN STORIESMost recently, she was spotted at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix cheering her beau on.She was said to have been a constant support when Lawson stepped in for Daniel Ricciardo at Red Bull last season.Despite sharing images on social media, Lawson keeps talk of his romance under wrapsCredit: INSTAGRAM @hannahstjohnGlam Hannah shows off her incredible figure in a stunning dressCredit: INSTAGRAM @hannahstjohnHannah has already been spotted in the paddock with LawsonCredit: GettyLawson is expected to help Max Verstappen win his fifth world title this seasonCredit: APLawson will get plenty of support from Hannah this seasonCredit: Getty More

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      Damon Hill lands new job in F1 just hours after Sky Sports confirmed his replacement in huge broadcasting shake-up

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      DAMON HILL has landed a new job just hours after Sky Sports F1 announced his replacement.Hill, 64, had worked as a pundit for Sky Sports on their Formula One coverage since 2012.Damon Hill has landed a new job in F1 after leaving Sky SportsCredit: News Group Newspapers LtdThe former world champion left the broadcaster last yearCredit: GettySky announced three-time W Series champion Jamie Chadwick would replace him this seasonCredit: Sky Sports F1But last November it was announced the 1996 F1 world champion was leaving the broadcaster. Johnny Herbert, who was dropped by the broadcaster in 2022, claimed Hill was pushed after accusing world champion Max Verstappen of “using dangerous tactics” during the Mexico Grand Prix.Tributes from Hill’s colleagues poured in at the time, before Sky announced earlier this week that three-time W Series champion Jamie Chadwick, 26, would join the broadcaster for 2025.However, Hill has not wasted any time in landing a new job of his own.READ MORE IN F1But instead of being in front of the camera, Hill will be working as a radio pundit with BBC Sport.The Beeb announced Hill would join their radio coverage for the 2025 season starting with this weekend’s season opener at the Australian Grand Prix.It came alongside an announcement that BBC Radio 5 Live, 5 Sports Extra and BBC Sounds had secured the exclusive Formula 1 UK radio rights for the next three seasons.Jennie Gow, who has bravely battled back to the pitlane after suffering a stroke in 2022, and Rosanna Tennant will be on the presenting team.Most read in MotorsportJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSMeanwhile, Harry Benjamin and Ben Edwards will serve as the commentators.Hill will also be joined on punditry by Formula E driver Sam Bird,  former W Series driver Alice Powell and former McLaren race mechanic Marc Priestley.F1 racing returns with the first event of the season the Australian Grand Prix On the upcoming season, Gow said: “With Lewis Hamilton moving stables to Ferrari, Max Verstappen going for a fifth consecutive title, and Lando Norris hoping to win his first drivers’ championship, it’s got all the elements to be the best season in history.”The first practice sessions of the 2025 season got off to a chaotic start as Ollie Bearman crashed out in the first practice session to mark a horror start to the rookie’s season.Elsewhere, Lewis Hamilton was outshone by Ferrari team-mate Charles Leclerc, while McLaren duo Lando Norris and home-favourite Oscar Piastri looked sharp Down Under. On the end of his time at Sky Sports, Hill previously said: “I think I felt like the end was coming anyway, because I was kind of pushed back all last year.Who is Jamie Chadwick?Jamie Chadwick is one of the world’s most decorated female racing drivers.She has broken barriers and made history at every level of the sport she has taken part in. Chadwick is a three-time W-Series Champion, MRF Series Champion, the only female racer to ever win an INDY NXT road course and British Formula 3 race and the first ever female and youngest ever driver to win a British GT Championship. A Williams F1 Racing Academy driver since 2019, she is regarded by many as a strong candidate to become the first ever woman to race in Formula One in the modern era. She is a figurehead for women in the sport and is hugely passionate about supporting the next generation of girls on their journey into racing and increasing the participation of young girls in karting.Jamie is currently racing in ELMS and will compete in the Le Mans 24hr this season. She is also continuing her development role for Williams Racing F1. In 2025 she will drive for IDEC Sport in the 2025 European Le Mans Series.She recently launched the Jamie Chadwick Series, an initiative encouraging more young girls to enter racing at the grassroots level, aiming to balance the gender gap in participation. In its first year, the series has reached over 450 girls and seen a dramatic 1900% increase in competitive participation.”I was doing the less attractive races. And they’ve got younger, fresher names. They’ve got Jenson [Button], they’ve got Nico [Rosberg]. And that’s fair enough – I completely get it.”They’re closer to the front line than I am. And it’s TV. There’s got to be a bit of eye-candy factor to it.”On replacing Hill, Chadwick told the Daily Mail: “I hope that anyone who switches on the TV screen and sees female pundits – they see female mechanics, engineers, and drivers hopefully in the future.”I think now the key is going to be trying to transition that female fan base into actual female participation – actually being involved in the sport across the board.READ MORE SUN STORIES”And I really don’t think that’s going to take too long, given how quickly we’ve seen the fan base change.”But it’s fantastic for the sport. You turn up to races now and you see so many different people watching and enjoying our sport.” More

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      ‘It’s madness’ – Red Bull advisor demands rule change hours before F1 season kicks off with Australian Grand Prix

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      RED BULL advisor Helmut Marko has furiously demanded that a mid-season rule change be SCRAPPED hours before 2025 campaign kicks off.The new campaign gets underway in Melbourne with the Australian Grand Prix on Sunday, with practice starting on Friday.Helmut Marko has furiously demanded that a mid-season rule change be scrappedCredit: GettyFlexible wings are always a point of contention during an F1 seasonCredit: RexMarko is incensed over the governing body’s plan to introduce stricter stress tests for F1 car front wings in the MIDDLE of the season.Aerodynamic regulations have always been a battleground where teams push the boundaries of what is legal and find creative ways to squeeze more performance out of their cars. One such area of innovation has been flexible wings – parts that remain rigid enough to pass static FIA tests, but bend during high-speed racing.Teams argue that the flexibility reduces drag on straights, improving top speed, while maintaining high downforce in corners.READ MORE ON F1The FIA have introduced stricter front wing regulations to come into force at the Spanish Grand Prix in June, in answer to the technical debate. Speaking to Auto Motor und Sport, Marko raged: “It’s madness.”Either the new rule applies from the start of the season or not at all.”It’s insane. It’s virtually impossible to do a comprehensive inspection of the bend. The teams have much more manpower than the FIA.Most read in MotorsportCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS“Now everyone except the smaller teams have built a wing that bends. “It’s crazy that they can throw them away in the middle of the season.”Hollywood star Idris Elba invests in brand new Formula E team as he reveals ‘deep and personal’ reason for decision But the Red Bull advisor did find one silver lining for his team as everybody on the grid will be affected by the change.He added: “No one else handles a shaky car as well as Max Verstappen.”Most teams have already built their 2024 cars with some degree of front wing flexibility within the previous FIA guidelines.The mid-season change will upset strategies as they will have already designed their cars to meet the existing rules.Meanwhile, this comes after Red Bull themselves complained about rear wings ahead of the start of the season.As a result, rear wing tests will be tightened immediately – starting in Melbourne on Sunday. And Lewis Hamilton’s Ferrari faces a thorough FIA investigation, as does Lando Norris’ McLaren.Elsewhere, the minimum driver weight allowance has been increased from 80kg to 82kg and a driver cooling kit has been introduced.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe technical regulations remain the same, so most teams will have an evolution in car design from 2024.Meanwhile, everybody will have half an eye on 2026 when the cars and engines will change completely.F1 2025 gridHere are the confirmed driver line ups for the F1 2025 season:Red Bull: Max Verstappen and Liam LawsonFerrari: Charles Leclerc and Lewis HamiltonMercedes: George Russell and Kimi AntonelliMcLaren: Lando Norris and Oscar PiastriAston Martin: Fernando Alonso and Lance StrollWilliams: Alex Albon and Carlos SainzSauber: Nico Hulkenberg and Gabriel BortoletoAlpine: Pierre Gasly and Jack DoohanRB: Yuki Tsunoda and Isack HadjarHaas: Ollie Bearman and Esteban Ocon More

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      Ollie Bearman suffers worst possible start to F1 season as Lewis Hamilton struggles for Ferrari

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      OLLIE BEARMAN suffered a nightmare start to the season with a huge crash in the first practice while Lewis Hamilton struggled for Ferrari.The British 19-year-old, who was born in Chelmsford, was unhurt in the crash at Melbourne’s Albert Park track but failed to make it out for the second session. Ollie Bearman suffered a nightmare debut for Haas in AustraliaCredit: RexBearman took too much speed into Turn 10 with his Haas and went off trackCredit: AFPAfter driving over the gravel trap he then lost control and smashed into the wall, ending his Friday runningCredit: AFPThe force of the impact saw a wheel fly off his carCredit: @F1Meanwhile, Lewis Hamilton struggled for competitive pace with FerrariCredit: RexBearman lost control at Turn 10 and spun into the wall in what is his first full season in the sport having signed with Haas last summer. The car looked wrecked in the aftermath, with parts flying off and the right, front tyre hanging on by a thread, prompting a red flag.Charles Leclerc outshone his Ferrari team-mate Hamilton as he topped Friday’s final session. The McLarens were looking sharp once again, with Oscar Piastri finishing second and Lando Norris in third.READ MORE IN F1Norris led the first practice session while Hamilton struggled, placing 12th and grumbling about the handling issues on the car. When Ferrari boss Fred Vasseur was asked about Hamilton, he said: “We have something like 150 sessions over the year, so this is just the beginning of the story.”We just have to focus on it and forget about the world around us and work as a team. “But honestly, when he’s in the briefing room, he’s fully focused on the objective and he knows the job perfectly, and he has to build relationships with the team. Most read in MotorsportJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUS”That’s not a long process, but it’s a process we have to follow. We are on that path. “We shouldn’t expect too much from the first session – that’s not the target. Lewis Hamilton recreates amazing Ferrari scene from ‘Ferris Bueller’s Day Off’ as fans demand he wins an Oscar “We know we have a long way to go, and honestly, we did a good step compared to last year and I have a good feeling.”Hamilton later managed P5 in the second practice session, but was still over four-tenths slower than Leclerc.Meanwhile, world champion Max Verstappen only managed P5 and P7, with the second session seeing his Red Bull go slower than sister team drivers Yuki Tsunoda and Isack Hadjar.F1 2025 gridHere are the confirmed driver line ups for the F1 2025 season:Red Bull: Max Verstappen and Liam LawsonFerrari: Charles Leclerc and Lewis HamiltonMercedes: George Russell and Kimi AntonelliMcLaren: Lando Norris and Oscar PiastriAston Martin: Fernando Alonso and Lance StrollWilliams: Alex Albon and Carlos SainzSauber: Nico Hulkenberg and Gabriel BortoletoAlpine: Pierre Gasly and Jack DoohanRB: Yuki Tsunoda and Isack HadjarHaas: Ollie Bearman and Esteban Ocon More

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      Major changes to Australian Grand Prix circuit confirmed ahead of F1 opener after George Russell’s terrifying crash

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      FORMULA ONE’S season-opener in Australia has undergone some major changes since last season.The 2025 F1 calendar raises the curtain Down Under in Melbourne for the first time since 2019 ahead of a highly-anticipated season.The Australian Grand Prix has made major changes to the circuit after two huge crashes last yearCredit: AFPMercedes’ George Russell was left stranded in the middle of the track after his car flipped when hitting a kerbCredit: AFPAlex Albon was also put out of the race after hitting the wall and skidding back into the middle of the trackCredit: GettyRussell said the moves were positiveCredit: RexBig narratives include Lewis Hamilton making his debut for Ferrari while six rookies – including teen millionaire Ollie Bearman – also take to the grid.However, there have also been changes made to the circuit itself in Australia.The 2024 race was as dramatic as they come with Max Verstappen’s brakes catching on fire before Carlos Sainz swept home to win the race following surgery on his appendix.But George Russell and Alex Albon suffered huge crashes at the same part of the track, with Russell’s Mercedes flipping violently before coming to a halt on its side while Albon’s Williams slid into the middle of the track following a big shunt against the wall.READ MORE IN F1Both incidents forced a red flag, but measures have been taken for this year’s race to try and ensure the same incidents do not happen again.This year Albert Park chiefs have done major work to Turns 6 and 7, where the crashes happened.The first change has seen the barrier moved and angled differently to stop a car bouncing back into the track.Sections of the kerbing have been slightly flattened to reduce the risk of potential instability caused by the bumps.Most read in MotorsportCheltenham Festival betting offers and free betsMeanwhile, adjustments have also been made to the gravel traps by bringing them closer to the kerbs.Russell said the changes were a positive following his terrifying crash last year.Martin Brundle’s most-awkward Formula 1 grid moments from Cara Delevingne to Ozzy OsbourneHe told reporters: “Yeah, I know there’s been changes to the circuit through that corner. “There’s been a few big crashes there and obviously that was, yeah, it was a big one in itself. I’m fortunate I didn’t get collected. Afterwards I think the duty lies on the FIA, to be honest. “In this regard, I think the people around the circuit have done everything they can to make that corner slightly better if you were to have a crash so…  “You know, it’s part of racing, it’s the dangers that we involve ourselves with. “It’s when you push the limits and you’re going for everything, it sometimes bites. But I trust the team.”An FIA spokesperson also explained the changes made after taking on board proposed changes from the FIA Safety Department.They said: “The kerb at the exit of Turn 6 through entry and apex of Turn 7 has been replaced with a single specification of negative kerb.”This adjustment removes the transition from negative to positive kerb that was present in this area, which previously had been addressed by local modification (grinding) of the kerb to provide a smoother transition between kerb types. “The intent is to remove the possibility of this transition destabilising a car.”Additionally, the gravel trap now extends to the back of the kerb and the barrier on the left-hand side of Turn 7 has also been moved and re-profiled to mitigate the possibility of a car coming to rest in a position near the racing line following an impact with the energy absorbing barrier in this area.”READ MORE SUN STORIESThe weather forecast for the Australian GP has sunny skies for practice and qualifying across Friday and Saturday.However, the race on Sunday has a more than 80 per cent chance of being struck by rain, which would really throw the cat amongst the pigeons considering the other variables already in play.F1 2025 gridHere are the confirmed driver line ups for the F1 2025 season:Red Bull: Max Verstappen and Liam LawsonFerrari: Charles Leclerc and Lewis HamiltonMercedes: George Russell and Kimi AntonelliMcLaren: Lando Norris and Oscar PiastriAston Martin: Fernando Alonso and Lance StrollWilliams: Alex Albon and Carlos SainzSauber: Nico Hulkenberg and Gabriel BortoletoAlpine: Pierre Gasly and Jack DoohanRB: Yuki Tsunoda and Isack HadjarHaas: Ollie Bearman and Esteban OconCHELTENHAM FESTIVAL 2025 LIVE: LATEST TIPS AND RESULTS FROM THE GREATEST SHOW ON TURF More