Wet weather created chaos at the Australian Grand Prix on March 16, 2025, as three drivers succumbed to early crashes, including rookie Australian driver Jack Doohan, who faced severe pressure from Alpine amid speculation about his future with the team.
The day's events unfolded as rain had already wreaked havoc on earlier races, resulting in limited running for the Formula 3, Formula 2, and Supercar categories. By the time F1 took to the track, conditions were greasy, leading to significant challenges for the grid.
Isack Hadjar initiated the drama on the formation lap, where he lost control of his car at Turn 2, crashing and damaging the rear wing of his Racing Bulls entry. “It feels terrible,” Hadjar said, expressing his dismay over the incident. “Usually, I take it step by step and we were wanting the best out-lap possible for the race start.” The ensuing damage was substantial enough to end Hadjar’s race even before it began, causing the start of the Australian Grand Prix to be delayed by 15 minutes.
Once the race commenced, Jack Doohan quickly became the next victim. On lap one, shortly after the race started, he lost control of his Alpine on the run to Turn 6 when his rear tires spun up during acceleration. “He’s accelerated gently but the torque has come on through, loosened the rear axle and boom he’s gone,” commented former F1 star Martin Brundle. This crash and subsequent retirement added to the already heavy burden of expectation on the up-and-coming driver, whose father, the legendary Mick Doohan, watched with concern.
Carlos Sainz, who claimed the victory last year at this race, also fell victim to the treacherous conditions. While under Safety Car, he lost control of his car, crashing at the final corner, which exemplified the unexpected challenges even seasoned drivers faced on this rain-soaked track.
Doohan's crash, happening just as he was being put under scrutiny, amplified the questions surrounding his long-term position at Alpine, particularly with Argentine driver Franco Colapinto positioned to take his place. Brundle emphasized this bleak outlook, stating, “Jack needed a nice, solid day today.”
Despite his early exit, Oscar Piastri, another Australian driver, managed to avoid the chaos. Although he lost a position to Max Verstappen at the start, he remains focused on his goal of securing the first-ever podium for Australian drivers at Albert Park.
With only one completed lap, three cars had already exited the race, marking one of the most chaotic starts to the F1 season. The track conditions raised serious concerns about safety and performance for drivers moving forward, as they all navigated the unpredictable weather. The International Automobile Federation (FIA) is continuously evaluating the situation, aiming to find solutions for upcoming events.
Looking back at the Mayhem, as spectators settled back after the race's brief pause, many were taken aback by the abrupt starts and the frailty of the conditions. Each event served as a stark reminder of how quickly success can turn to disappointment for drivers, especially those still establishing their places within the highly competitive world of Formula 1.