Australia is buzzing with anticipation as it prepares for the 2025 Melbourne Grand Prix, which promises to feature rising stars Jack Doohan and Oscar Piastri on the starting grid for the second consecutive year. The event, set for March 16, 2025, at Albert Park, marks Doohan's first full season taking the wheel after making his debut with Alpine at the tail end of last year.
Despite the excitement surrounding these two Australian drivers, there is also the palpable absence of Daniel Ricciardo, who was abruptly axed from Red Bull following the Singapore Grand Prix back in September 2024. Ricciardo's departure not only left a gap on the grid but also cast shadows over the event as competitors and fans feel the loss of the eight-time race winner.
Doohan expressed sadness over not being able to race alongside Ricciardo, speaking with fondness about the advice he absorbed from the seasoned driver during his rookie year. "We spoke quite a bit at the end of last year," Doohan told reporters. "I saw him when I was out in LA before heading to (Las) Vegas as well; we caught up briefly there. But since I haven’t had a lot of communication recently. He has been doing his thing, enjoying his post-F1 life." The 22-year-old also remarked, "It would have been amazing with DR (Ricciardo) still here, but at least there are still two of us on the grid."
The story of Doohan and Piastri is one of camaraderie and rivalry. After winning two races last season, Piastri is determined to maintain his status at the top with McLaren. Doohan looks forward to challenging him. "Oscar has been doing exceptional, especially last year, and the McLaren car was fast," said Doohan. "Hopefully, we’re able to challenge him in the near future, and it’s great to be on the grid with him."
Adding complexity to the narrative is the overshadowing presence of Franco Colapinto, who joined Alpine as a reserve driver after impressing during his brief stint with Williams at the end of 2024. This has raised questions about Doohan’s place within the team, as Alpine management assesses how to best structure their lineup for the upcoming races. Doohan seems aware of this pressure but remains focused. "I was quite proud of him being punchy with you all," admitted Oliver Oakes, Alpine’s team principal, referring to Doohan's willingness to address the media speculation surrounding his future. He is poised to ignore the noise and concentrate on his performances on the track.
Finally, as the two Australian talents gear up for the race weekend, the atmosphere is both competitive and reflective. Doohan reminds us of the longstanding tradition of excellence within Australian motorsport, albeit marked by Ricciardo's unprecedented absence from the scene. "It is great to have another Aussie on the grid," he reiterated. "We are both driving for teams based in the UK, yet far apart, but we get along well.”
The Melbourne Grand Prix is set to not only kick off the 2025 F1 season but also to serve as the backdrop for new narratives developing within Australian racing. While Doohan and Piastri ready themselves to continue writing their stories, they carry with them the legacy of Ricciardo and the hopes of fans eager for Australia's next racing triumphs.