Lewis Hamilton's debut for Ferrari at the Australian Grand Prix was marked by frustration, finishing 10th, as Lando Norris led McLaren to victory under challenging conditions, showcasing the contrasting fates of the two teams.
Toto Wolff, Mercedes' team principal, revealed he felt as though he had three drivers during the weekend, constantly monitoring Hamilton alongside his current stars, George Russell and Andrea Kimi Antonelli. "When I was looking at the screens, at times, the way I looked at it is like we had three drivers because I was looking at RUS, I was looking at ANT and I was looking at HAM," Wolff said, aware of Hamilton's switch to Ferrari after 12 seasons with Mercedes. Hamilton left the Silver Arrows after winning six out of seven championship titles, and his first race with Ferrari did not live up to the high hopes built around him.
The Australian Grand Prix started with chaotic weather conditions, leading to a wet track, which presented significant challenges to all drivers. Norris, who secured pole position, was able to maintain his lead during the race, successfully negotiating the tricky racing surface and overcoming aggressive competition, including from the other McLaren driver, Oscar Piastri, and Max Verstappen from Red Bull.
Despite the challenging conditions, Norris managed to clinch the race win, bringing home his team’s first victory of the season and expressing relief at the result. His composure under pressure was evident, particularly during multiple safety car periods, showcasing his remarkable adaptation to the race's shifting dynamics. "My buttocks were clenched!" reflected Sky Sports commentator Martin Brundle, echoing the tense moments shared by many watching the competition.
Conversely, Hamilton's debut was difficult, starting from eighth on the grid and struggling throughout the race. His performance disappointed many fans and experts alike, and Hamilton's frustration came through as he communicated with his engineer, Riccardo Adami, about technical issues. Brundle noted, "I don’t understand why Lewis was so angsty with his engineer, who was simply trying to pass over relevant and helpful information." Hamilton's dealings with race strategy were poor, and his team made questionable decisions, especially during moments when transitioning to dry tyres became complex due to the intermittent rain.
McLaren's Norris paved the way for the team, which had faced struggles over previous seasons, with Lando’s victory coming as their first major triumph since late 2024 and marking the first time anyone other than Max Verstappen has led the championship standings in over 1029 days. Norris’s teammate, Oscar Piastri, also showcased talent, though he faced misfortune when he slid off onto wet grass during the race. Despite the setback of losing a lap, Piastri finished strong and proved his capability.
The race wasn't without drama, as cars faced difficulties due to the treacherous conditions. Drivers like Isack Hadjar and Jack Doohan suffered retirements due to crashes, and Fernando Alonso's Aston Martin met the wall after struggling for grip. All these incidents added to the chaotic atmosphere of the race.
The conclusion of the race saw George Russell finishing third for Mercedes, his consistent performance putting him on the podium, even as the team acknowledged they need to ramp up their pace if they wish to compete with the front-runners. Kimi Antonelli, another newcomer on the Mercedes team, finished fourth, showcasing remarkable skill after overcoming challenges, including being handed a five-second penalty which was later rescinded.
Looking forward, attention shifts to the upcoming Chinese GP set to kick off on March 21, 2025. This weekend marks the first Sprint weekend of the season, where teams will have the opportunity to adapt strategies and play aggressively for points. Hamilton and Ferrari will have to regroup and reassess their strategies as they look to bounce back from their disappointing Australian outing.
For both the McLaren and Ferrari teams, the stakes are high as the championship progresses, and their performances at the Chinese Grand Prix could set the tone for the remaining season. Will Norris continue to thrive, and can Hamilton find his footing with Ferrari? Fans and teams alike will be tuned to see how these storylines evolve. Stay tuned for the next round of the F1 circus as it heads to Shanghai.
