Race One - 2025 Australian GP [Melbourne Park]

[Nitrodaze]

Has there ever been a time like this when the entire F1 community was so eager for the season opener to arrive? We go into the start of the season with no clear indication of the true pecking order of the grid. While most would agree McLaren appears to be ahead, most would also not be too surprised if that turns out not to be the case by the end of the race at Melbourne Park.

This is one season that could be full of surprises, drama and changes of fortune all the way to Abu Dhabi. While most have an idea which team might win the Constructor's championship. Very few can confidently say who would win the driver's championship.

It is very tight at the sharp end of the grid. So tight, such that there is very little room for mistakes. A bad weekend could spell trouble for any of the contending drivers. This is a season that demands, perfection, consistency and determination. This is a season that would be impatient of excuses, where luck could make an unlikely champion to emerge from obscurity. Or for long overdue championship contenders to step into the limelight.

This season is the stuff of folklore and the making of legends. As the world holds its breath on the prospects of World War Three, we can, in the interim distract ourselves on a season full of such promise to fully entertain.

So l dare you to name your drivers for the podium of this Australian GP.