The 2025 Formula 1 season kicked off with a thrilling Australian Grand Prix at Albert Park, where unpredictable weather tested every driver’s skill. From standout performances to costly errors, the rain-soaked Melbourne race delivered drama aplenty. Here’s our take on who excelled and who faltered, with driver ratings optimized for F1 fans searching for insights into the season opener.
Top Performers: Masters of the Melbourne Chaos
Lando Norris – 9.5
Lando Norris launched his 2025 campaign with a near-flawless display, proving why he’s a title contender. Securing pole position, he navigated the wet conditions with precision, especially on the pivotal lap 44 when rain returned. Despite Max Verstappen’s late charge, Norris stayed composed, clinching victory and setting a strong tone for his championship bid. His ability to handle pressure in this chaotic F1 Australian Grand Prix makes him a driver to watch.
Alex Albon – 9
Alex Albon turned heads with a stellar weekend, maximizing Williams’ potential. A brilliant P6 in qualifying set the stage, and his calm, collected race elevated him to fifth—despite Kimi Antonelli’s penalty reversal. Outpacing new teammate Carlos Sainz by three-tenths in qualifying, Albon’s performance in the Melbourne rain was a statement of intent for 2025.
Max Verstappen – 9
Even with a less-than-ideal RB21, Max Verstappen extracted near-maximum results. A rare mistake under pressure from Oscar Piastri briefly disrupted his race, but Red Bull’s strategic gamble paid off, securing second place amid late-race turmoil. For F1 fans searching for Australian Grand Prix highlights, Verstappen’s resilience keeps him in the title conversation despite the car’s early struggles.
George Russell – 8.5
George Russell quietly delivered a podium-worthy drive, capitalizing on others’ misfortunes. Starting fourth, he avoided the chaos to finish third after Piastri’s error. His steady performance in tricky conditions gave Mercedes a solid start to 2025, far ahead of last year’s Canadian GP podium timeline. A seamless race indeed.
Yuki Tsunoda – 8
Yuki Tsunoda’s P12 finish belies his true pace in Melbourne. A stunning fifth-place qualifying showcased his talent, silencing doubters after Red Bull overlooked him. However, a risky strategy call to outlast the rain undid his efforts. Still, his speed in the Australian Grand Prix marks him as a rising star for Racing Bulls.
Midfield Highlights: Mixed Fortunes in the Rain
- Kimi Antonelli – 7.5: The rookie shone with a mature drive, recovering from a penalty scare to secure points for Mercedes.
- Nico Hulkenberg – 7.5: A clean race in a tricky Haas earned him valuable points, proving his worth early in 2025.
- Lance Stroll – 7: Surviving the chaos, Stroll bagged a solid result for Aston Martin, outshining teammate Alonso’s crash.
- Oscar Piastri – 6.5: A strong weekend unraveled with a late spin in the rain, dropping him from podium contention to ninth. Disappointing for the home crowd.
- Charles Leclerc – 6: Ferrari’s lack of pace and a spin in the wet left Leclerc frustrated, though he salvaged a decent finish.
Strugglers: Under a Cloud at Albert Park
Isack Hadjar – 4.5
Isack Hadjar’s F1 debut ended before it began with a formation lap crash. Despite a promising P11 in qualifying, the mistake was costly. Bad luck played a role, but it’s a harsh lesson for the rookie.
Oliver Bearman – 4
Oliver Bearman’s weekend was a mess from the start. A heavy practice crash and a gravel trap in FP3 hurt his prep, while a gearbox issue tanked qualifying. Staying clean in the race was his only redemption, but he trailed teammate Ocon significantly.
Carlos Sainz – 4
For a driver of Carlos Sainz’s experience, crashing behind the safety car was inexcusable. High expectations from pre-season fizzled out fast in Melbourne, leaving him outshone by Albon. He’ll rebound, but this was a grim start at Williams.
Fernando Alonso – 4
Fernando Alonso dominated teammate Stroll all weekend—until he didn’t. A rare error saw him crash out, wasting a potential points haul. Add in qualifying damage, and it’s a weekend to forget for the veteran.
Liam Lawson – 3
Liam Lawson’s Red Bull debut was a letdown. Slow in practice, sloppy in qualifying, and undone by a team gamble on dry tires in wet conditions, he struggled to adapt to Albert Park. The New Zealander needs to find his feet quickly to avoid a tough 2025.
Final Thoughts
The 2025 Australian Grand Prix driver ratings reflect a race where adaptability was key. Norris and Albon thrived, while rookies like Hadjar and Lawson stumbled. As F1 heads to Shanghai, these Melbourne performances—both brilliant and disastrous—set the stage for an unpredictable season. Who’ll shine next in this rain-soaked saga?
