Formula 1’s 75th season is finally upon us… After months of preparation and hard work, our team have landed in Australia along with the MCL39, ready to defend the Constructors’ Championship.   

The MTC has been a hive of activity ever since we returned from winter break, but the atmosphere has really stepped up a notch this past week as the team returned from pre-season testing in Bahrain and began packing their bags for Melbourne.  

Australia is a classic season opener, having hosted Round 1 almost every year between 1996 and 2019, but this will be the first time we’ve started at the Albert Park Circuit since Oscar joined the team, so we’re anticipating a lively weekend and a jam-packed Melbourne Walk. 

Ahead of the opener, we’ve compiled all the key info, including thoughts from the team, the reasons why we love the Albert Park Circuit, and its biggest challenges. 

“I’m excited to get the 2025 season started in Melbourne! It’s a special track for me as this was where I made my debut with McLaren back in 2019. This circuit has been good to us in the past, and hopefully, we’ve carried our momentum from 2024 into this year. We had a productive test, but we won’t know where we stand until Qualifying on Saturday.  

“I think this should be a very exciting season with a lot of close racing. There’s going to be a lot of competition, which should hopefully make it exciting for the fans to watch. I’m ready to get the season started!” 

“Walking down the Melbourne Walk and receiving so much positive energy is a moment that always gives me goosebumps. The support I receive back in Melbourne is phenomenal and it still feels surreal to have so many fans shouting my name. It means a great deal to me and so, a big thank you to everyone that will be cheering me on.   

“I’m a little bit biased but the atmosphere at Albert Park is always off the charts and with it being the season opener, I am sure it is going to be even bigger and better. It’s the first race I look for when the calendar comes out and the one that means the most. 

“I’m a very proud Australian and I can’t wait to go racing in my home country and hometown in front of all the home fans.”

“This week we officially start the 2025 Formula 1 season as we had to Melbourne for race one of 24. Everyone at McLaren has worked hard over the winter to be ready for what seems like one of the most levelled and uncertain seasons in F1.  

“The Albert Park Grand Prix Circuit should offer some good opportunities for good racing as we start this 75th season of Formula 1. I’d like to thank everyone at the McLaren F1 Team, our technical and commercial partners and our fans for their continued support as we head into another exciting season.” 

Why we love the Australian Grand Prix  

Because it’s Oscar’s home race, of course!

The stunning Albert Park Circuit is located just a stone’s throw away from the suburb of Brighton, where Oscar grew up, and makes for an awesome first race. The Australian Grand Prix has hosted the season opener on many occasions in the past – most recently in 2019 – and always provided a vibrant start to the year, with bright blue skies, a party-like atmosphere and entertaining races.  

It’s a beautiful location for a race – the tarmac is surrounded by the gorgeous greenery of Albert Park, with Melbourne’s city skyline in the background. It’s also not far from the beach – what more could you want?

The Albert Park Circuit is famous for its Melbourne Walk, where fans line up for a glimpse of their favourite drivers as they arrive at track, who stop off for photographs and autographs. 

What are the challenges?  

Historically, action on track has lived up to the hype fans generate off it. The 5.275km temporary track provides complex challenges and plentiful overtaking opportunities.  

Turns 8 to 11 make up the most notable section of the circuit, with cars remaining on the throttle through all four corners. Cars approach the turns at 180mph, pulling around 5g laterally before a rapid change of direction going into Turn 10, a flat-out right-hander.  

On top of that, you have the usual challenges of a street circuit, which includes track evolution throughout the weekend – with the roads more accustomed to hosting automotive cars - and unforgiving barriers.  

The season so far

Although the new campaign will official get underway in Australia, we started preparing for it all the way back in 2024, before we had won the Constructors’ Championship. We then fired up the car for the first time at the factory in February, drove it for the first on a filming day at Silverstone, and tested it in Bahrain.  

The team are pleased with the progress we’ve made and are raring to hit the track for a first competitive outing. 

Fast fits  

Reiss have dropped their first race-specific piece of the season, releasing an Australian Grand Prix themed T-shirt. It’s subtle on the front and loud on the back, making it ideal for multiple scenarios, whether you’re wanting to layer up with a shirt over the top or make a bolder statement by showing off the reverse, featuring the six stars of the Australian flag and a Melbourne-inspired font.  

If you’re going for a more casual look, we’d suggest pairing it with some denim shorts and New Era’s Oscar Piastri Australian-themed cap. The bright green and gold 9Seventy Stretch Snap Cap is the perfect way to add some colour to your style, while showing off your support for the team.