Rain-drenched chaos described the 2025 Australian Grand Prix weekend at Albert Park, as competitors and spectators braved unpredictable conditions on March 16. The first race of the 2025 season saw Lando Norris clinch victory for McLaren, but not without controversy stemming from safety logistics on the track.
Commentators from Sky Sports were vocal about their criticisms of FIA race control after Norris was required to navigate around a moving lorry at Turn 10. Martin Brundle and David Croft expressed astonishment at the race control’s decision not to issue a red flag during the incident, echoing longstanding safety concerns within the motorsport community.
“To see Lando Norris driving alongside a lorry…I’m very surprised,” Croft remarked. He emphasized, “You have to put safety first,” highlighting the lack of cranes present on the circuit. Following the incident, both Brundle and Croft noted the potential danger involved with drivers sliding off track at high speeds. Brundle added, “He didn’t want to go to the run-off area; the chances of picking up a puncture are enormous.”
Despite the critiques, drivers Max Verstappen, Lando Norris, and George Russell expressed indifference to the incident during their post-race press conference, stating it didn’t detract from their focus on the race.
“I thought it was fine,” Verstappen stated. “If you crash behind the safety car, you’re really stupid,” to which Norris jested, “You shouldn’t be in Formula 1 then.” Russell agreed, affirming, “Yeah, I think it was fine.”
This incident brought back agonizing memories of Pierre Gasly’s close call with a tractor during the Japanese Grand Prix in 2022 and the tragic accident of Jules Bianchi at the same circuit several years prior. These events cast shadows over discussions of safety practices within the sport.
Norris's victory at the Australian Grand Prix, which was his first of the season, underscored his ability to fend off pressure from Verstappen and teammate Oscar Piastri, who finished second as the local hero. Lewis Hamilton faced significant disappointment, finishing 10th on his debut with Ferrari.
The challenges weren't limited to Formula 1, as heavy rain forced the cancellation of multiple other races throughout the day. The Supercars Race 7 was abandoned after just two laps, marking a frustrating turn of events as visibility issues plagued the competitors.
“It’s quite bad out there,” driver Cooper Murray remarked after the race was called off. Will Brown, who had accumulated points from the weekend’s earlier races, was awarded the Larry Perkins Trophy, marking his second consecutive win.
Heavy rain led to the final adjustments being made to the day’s schedule, causing the Formula 3 and Supercars races to be shortened or canceled altogether. Reports indicated high winds and relentless rainfall hampered visibility, prompting the FIA to take extra precautions across multiple racing formats. The Formula 3 event would witness Rafael Camara declared victorious, though the race ended under red flag after only 17 laps completed.
Fans lining the perimeter of the track showed unwavering support through the less-than-ideal conditions. Local fans such as Williams supporters, including 17-year-old enthusiasts like Harper Wallace and his friend, voiced both excitement and disappointment over the unpredictable aspects of their home race weekend. “I’m loving it… I’m loving the wet,” Beatty declared. Despite frustration over Jack Doohan's departure early on, the local atmosphere felt positive as Piastri approached his home race with fervent local support.
Doohan’s fiasco was regrettable for many; his early exit shocked the crowd and led fans to shift their attention to Piastri, encouraging emotion and excitement throughout the grandstands.
Now, the future of the 2025 Repco Supercars Championship looks forward to New Zealand, with excitement for the next round set for April 11-13. After the Melbourne chaos, the anticipation to compete under clearer skies remains palpable among fans and drivers alike.
Race control now faces scrutiny and heavy reflection as incidents on race day remind all involved of the precarious balance between sporting spectacle and the need for comprehensive safety practices. Moving forward, the FIA may need to examine protocols to avoid such controversies as rain continues to loom over the upcoming races on the calendar.