F1 Australian GP LIVE: Qualifying result as Lando Norris snatches pole and Lewis Hamilton falters

F1 AUSTRALIAN GP - LATEST UPDATES

• F1 returns this weekend with the Australian GP kicking off the 2025 season
• Lando Norris snatches pole position from Oscar Piastri; Verstappen 3rd
• Fernando Alonso knocked out in Q2
• Liam Lawson and Kimi Antonelli out in Q1
• ANALYSIS: Lewis Hamilton and Ferrari F1 are a ‘perfect match’ – but will results live up to the hype?

Lando Norris celebrates pole position

Lando Norris after qualifying on pole:

“Big congrats to the team, amazing job to continue, to start with a 1-2 but it’s just quali - it will be a tricky race but it was the perfect race to start.

“The car is extremely quick, when you put it together it’s unbelievable, little fight between me and Oscar and it was a tough one. You need to take a lot of risk but also get the lap clean, difficult mindset in the final lap but managed to pull it off.

“I’m never going to get ahead of myself, I’m not that kind of guy. We know how quick Max and Red Bull are in the rain, a lot of opportunities for everyone. We’ll see tomorrow.”

Oscar Piastri after qualifying P2:

“Great to have the team on the front row, it’s the start of the season, it’s a solid start.

“Maybe left a little bit on the table, it was tricky out there for everyone - just happy to be on the front row.”

Max Verstappen, after qualifying P3:

“I take P3 today.

“In the wet, always some crazy things happen, it can be quite slippery around here. We’ll see what happens tomorrow.”

TOP-10 IN QUALIFYING

1. Lando Norris

2. Oscar Piastri

3. Max Verstappen

4. George Russell

5. Yuki Tsunoda

6. Alex Albon

7. Charles Leclerc

8. Lewis Hamilton

9. Pierre Gasly

10. Carlos Sainz

Lando Norris:

“Not a bad way to start the year!”

A stormer of a lap at the end there...

Lando Norris on pole position!

Lando gets it done - by just 0.084 seconds to his McLaren teammate Oscar Piastri!

Max Verstappen in third, three-tenths down!

And what a lap from Yuki Tsunoda for fifth place, Lewis Hamilton only eighth!

4-10: Russell, Tsunoda, Albon, Leclerc, Hamilton, Gasly, Sainz

Big moments this!

Particularly for the McLaren duo, this is huge!

Final chance across the top-10 then!

2:00 to go...

Top-10 ahead of final laps...

1. Max Verstappen - 1:15:671

2. Russell +0.024

3. Leclerc +0.084

4. Piastri +0.476

5. Albon +0.502

6. Tsunoda +0.568

7. Hamilton +0.656

8. Gasly +0.716

9. Sainz +1.693

10. Norris - no time

4:00 to go...

Max Verstappen on provisional pole!

By 0.024 seconds to George Russell, the Dutchman is on top!

Charles Leclerc is third, a tenth off, with Piastri fourth and Hamilton fifth.

Lando Norris had his lap deleted for track limits! He’ll only have one more chance!

7:00 to go in Q3...

Q3 underway!

Here we go then!

Who will be on pole in Melbourne?!

10 drivers involved: Norris, Piastri, Verstappen, Russell, Leclerc, Hamilton, Sainz, Gasly, Tsunoda, Albon

Fernando Alonso out!

Alonso can only go P12 - he’s out of qualifying!

Bottom-five and out of Q2 (11-15): Hadjar, Alonso, Stroll, Doohan, Bortoleto

Bortoleto with a big save on his final lap, but no good!

Time for the top-10 shootout!

Lewis Hamilton spins!

Hamilton should be safe but he’s spun in sector three!

Final laps coming in now...

Lewis Hamilton goes sixth-fastest!

A tenth short of Charles Leclerc in fifth... the Ferraris look to be a smidge short of pole-setting pace so far!

Current bottom-five (11-15): Hadjar, Stroll, Bortoleto, Alonso, Doohan

Top-3: Piastri, Norris, Verstappen

4:00 to go.

Fernando Alonso in trouble

After a visit to the gravel trap, Alonso is yet to set a time with 6:00 to go.

Current bottom-five (11-15): Hadjar, Stroll, Bortoleto, Alonso, Doohan

Carlos Sainz is the man in 10th place for the time being...

Liam Lawson:

“We expected the start of quali to be tough. To be honest, the first laps were expected to be off, going off on that second lap put everything out on order.

“Last sector of final lap had a big drop, I shouldn’t be going off in quali.”

Piastri P1 early on in Q2!

A stormer from the Aussie, who pips Norris to P1 by 0.088 seconds at the start of Q2!

Again, still drivers to set their first laps...

10:00 to go...

Q2 underway!

Bit of a shock then in Q1 - what will Q2 bring?!

15 minutes now where, again, we will lose the slowest five drivers before the top-10 shootout...

Mercedes:

“We saw bib damage on Kimi’s car during his second run.

“That caused a loss of performance for his final two laps unfortunately.”

Kimi Antonelli:

Antonelli: “Are we through?”

Engineer (Bono): “Negative, we’ve just been bumped.”

That’s a bit of a shock... Antonelli has looked strong!

Liam Lawson and Kimi Antonelli are OUT!

Oh Liam!

The New Zealander was touch and go as it was, but went wide at the second-last turn and having driven over the grass, simply pits!

He’s out of qualifying!

And so is Kimi Antonelli, only P16 by 0.009 seconds to Gabriel Bortoleto at Suaber!

Bottom-five and out in Q1 (16-20): Antonelli, Hulkenberg, Lawson, Ocon, Bearman

Top-3: Norris, Russell, Verstappen

Liam Lawson heading out!

Big moment for Lawson, who is about to head out of Q1!

Current bottom-five (16-20): Gasly, Hulkenberg, Lawosn, Ocon, Bearman (no time)

Antonelli in P14 in danger...

2:00 to go!

Ollie Bearman still in garage!

It’s not looking good for the 19-year-old.

He’s still in the garage with four minutes to go, having not set a timed lap yet.

It’s looking like P20 for tomorrow...

Liam Lawson off track!

The Kiwi - who missed most of FP3 due to a power unit issue - just skews off track at turn 3 and goes through the gravel, with the service road saving him!

Currently P18!

Bottom-five (16-20): Gasly, Hulkenberg, Lawson, Ocon, Bearman (no time)

Antonelli only P14 so far. 5:00 to go in Q1.

George Russell on mediums!

An interesting experiment from Mercedes - with Jim Ratcliffe watching on - with both drivers on medium tyres!

Russell goes an impressive P4, but Antonelli is P19 so far.

Bottom-five (16-20): Stroll, Lawson, ocon, Antonelli, Bearman (no time)

8:00 to go...

Lando Norris:

“A little bit of gravel turn 6, keep an eye on the side of the car.”

Doesn’t look to be anything to worry about...

Lando Norris P1 early on!

The Brit goes fastest early in Q1, with Piastri a tenth behind in second and Charles Leclerc in third - 0.450 seconds behind Norris.

A reminder: the top times don’t really matter in these first two sessions.

Still plenty of drivers to set a lap. 12:00 to go.

Ollie Bearman:

“I have a problem with the gearbox.

“No, it’s broken.”

Oh Ollie, what a nightmare this weekend has been for the 19-year-old Brit so far!

Q1 underway!

A big queue at the end of the pit lane, led by Haas’ Esteban Ocon, and we are go with qualifying in 2025!

A reminder: 18 minutes where we will lose the slowest five drivers from the rest of the session...

Qualifying coming up!

Who’s your money on, then?

Is it McLaren - with Norris and Piastri both neck-and-neck - or with Ferrari, with Leclerc looking quicker than Hamilton so far?

And don’t discount Max Verstappen, who looked rapid for Red Bull in that final practice!

Qualifying starts in four minutes!

Lando Norris ahead of qualifying:

“I’m all good. I’m relaxed, it will be a tight qualifying, tough one ahead, but we’re confident of a strong start.”

Qualifying 10 minutes away!

So excited for this - the first qualifying session of the new season!

McLaren and Ferrari look to be the favourites for pole, but Max Verstappen and George Russell have also shown excellent speed throughout the three practice sessions.

It’s set to be very tight across the grid!

Lewis Hamilton and Ferrari F1 are a ‘perfect match’ – but will results live up to the hype?

Nothing has ever motivated Lewis Hamilton more than the naysayers of this world. Where the sceptics see adversity, Hamilton sees opportunity. And last month, the seven-time world champion had a message for the doubters ahead of the most anticipated phase of his glittering Formula One career.

“Don’t ever compare me to anyone else,” he toldTime. “I’m the first and only Black driver that’s ever been in this sport. I’m built different… I’m hungry, driven, don’t have a wife or kids. I’m focused on one thing and that’s winning.”

Has the Hamilton-Ferrari hype train caught you yet? If so, what drew you in? Was it the joyous scenes of week one, appearing in a black suit and Ferrari race gear in Maranello for the first time? Was it London, F1 75 Live, and an adoring British crowd? Or was it Bahrain, Milan, and now Melbourne, as the sight of F1’s joint-most successful driver in peerless scarlet red becomes the new reality?

Full piece below:

Lewis Hamilton and Ferrari are ‘perfect match’ – but will results match the hype?

Carlos Sainz on Williams:

“I feel I’ve joined a team full of motivation, who want to bring the team back to the front. It was a good test in Abu Dhabi.

“We’ve had a strong winter, a positive test, are we going to be one second off the leaders? I don’t know. We want to show progress.

Lewis Hamilton on the pressure of racing for Ferrari:

“The pressure I’ve put on myself has been ten times higher than any pressure put upon me.

“I haven’t been made to feel any pressure, I know what I can deliver and it’s just getting my head down.

“No expectations this weekend, getting used to this new car. Ferrari power is new, different vibrations, different feel.”

Why Lando Norris has to win F1 title this year

Taking the chequered flag in Abu Dhabi at the final race of 2024, bringing home a first constructors’ title in 26 years for McLaren, brought up mixed emotions for cheerful chappy Lando Norris.

On one hand, it was pure elation. A member of the McLaren family for eight years, this meant as much to Norris as anyone else. He described it as a “perfect” end to the season, beating Ferrari to the championship by 14 points. And he’d need no invitation; he was going to get “hammered” later that night over the border in Bahrain.

Yet in the same breath, even amid joyous papaya-clad celebrations on the pit-wall, the boy from Bristol could not help but sample that bittersweet taste. “It’s been a special year,” he said over team radio, before adding: “And next year is going to be my year, too.”

Why Lando Norris knows there are now ‘no excuses’ – he has to win 2025 F1 title

Max Verstappen’s response to ‘doctored’ F1 Drive to Survive episode is exactly what you’d expect

Max Verstappen says he was “not surprised” to see a doctored clip of him appearing on the latest season of Drive to Survive.

The popular F1 docu-series has previously been boycotted by Verstappen, who refused to appear in his first title-winning season, due to Netflix’s tendency to manipulate storylines and drama.

On season seven, a clip of Verstappen’s cool-down room reaction to Lando Norris’s win in Miami is mixed in with his reaction at his home race in Zandvoort in the same scenario, showing a more despondent Verstappen, some three months later.

Full quotes below:

Verstappen’s response to ‘doctored’ F1 Drive to Survive is exactly what you’d expect

Lewis Hamilton admits racism in Serie A ‘crossed his mind’ before Ferrari F1 move

Lewis Hamilton has admitted that incidents of black footballers being racially abused in Italy did make him think twice when deciding to move to Ferrari this year.

The seven-time F1 world champion has switched to Ferrari after 12 years and six world titles at Mercedes. His first race in Scuderia red is at the season-opening Australian Grand Prix on 16 March.

Hamilton is also F1’s first and only black driver and has detailed in the past the “traumatising” racial abuse he has suffered, detailing in 2023 that he had bananas thrown at him and was repeatedly called the “n-word” at school. He was also racially abused at F1 testing in Barcelona in 2008.

Serie A footballers such as Mike Maignan and Moise Kean have been subject to racial abuse in the past and Hamilton did admit that racist chanting at Italian matches “crossed his mind” when making the decision to move to Ferrari last winter.

Lewis Hamilton admits racism in Serie A ‘crossed his mind’ before Ferrari F1 move

James Vowles: ‘This is why Williams and Carlos Sainz will be F1 title contenders again’

Two years into the project of a lifetime, James Vowles is keeping his ultra-focused head above the parapet.

Hunched over a table in his team’s hospitality unit, the Williams team principal is reflecting on a 2024 season of underachievement. In 24 races, his team recorded more crashes than points: 20 to 17. To say it was an expensive, energy-sapping campaign would be an understatement.

Yet ultimately, it does not matter. Nor does the upcoming 2025 season, even with Ferrari race winner Carlos Sainz, a coup of an acquisition, joining the team to partner Alex Albon.

Nearly all of Vowles’ attention is geared towards 2026; a year of new engine and chassis regulations and, as such, fresh opportunity at the front.

Read Kieran Jackson’s exclusive interview with the Williams boss:

James Vowles: ‘This is why Williams and Sainz will be F1 title contenders again’

Toto Wolff repsonds to Verstappen links

More from Toto, who says: “I don't flirt outside if I am in a good relationship. At the moment that (a move for Verstappen) is not on the radar.

"I don't like to shift my concentration away from these guys (Russell and Antonelli). I'm someone who sticks to what he says and this is the combination that I want to go forward with Mercedes. I have no other reasons to doubt that."

Following Hamilton's transfer to Ferrari, Russell will enter a campaign as Mercedes' lead driver for the first time in his career.

And when quizzed about Russell's next deal, Wolff continued: "We had a chat a few weeks ago about when the right timing would be to liaise.

"We're going to find some time, I guess before the summer. We will do that in a timely manner, without disrupting the season."

Williams boss James Vowles:

“It’s just free practice! This is just 12 months of transition, last year we didn’t have enough chassis’ or enough bits!

“I have a world-class driver line-up, you can see the difference it’s making.

“A realistic expectation for us is two cars in the top-10.”

Mercedes boss Toto Wolff:

On Russell: “George is a driver who has everything he needs to become a world champion, the car is very early days. McLaren are a smidge ahead, we expect a dominant performance from them tomorrow. It doesn’t mean it’ll be the same eight races in.

On qualifying: “Everyone has shown their hand, the drivers have more potential - we’ll see, it’s close.”

On rain tomorrow: “We’ve found a sweet spot with our setup, not to overheat the tyres, but maybe tomorrow you want them on the hot side. It’s not easy when there’s two-tenths between each car.”

FP3 RESULTS IN FULL:

Oscar Piastri leads the way with George Russell and Max Verstappen close behind... 🏁

Here's the final FP3 classification 👇#F1#AusGPpic.twitter.com/WpzfZ0vSSN

— Formula 1 (@F1) March 15, 2025

Oscar Piastri quickest in FP3!

A happy crowd in Melbourne as hometown hero Oscar Piastri goes fastest with a 1:15:921, 0.039 seconds clear of George Russell in second!

Max Verstappen is third-fastest, with Charles Leclerc in fourth - all within three-tenths of first though!

Lewis Hamilton? Down in P8. And look at Williams in sixth and seventh!

5-10: Antonelli, Sainz, Albon, Hamilton, Tsunoda, Norris,

George Russell goes P2!

Russell gets 0.039 secs within Piastri up top!

That’s four different teams in the top four!

Session ending shortly...

Charles Leclerc:

“The car is very oversteery... it doesn’t give me much confidence at all.”

Leclerc now P4...

Oscar Piastri now up to top spot!

The Australian takes P1 by 0.081 seconds to Max Verstappen!

The times have kept tumbling during this session... it should be a terrifc qualifying later!

Russell and Antonelli currently P3 and P4 for Mercedes too!

Just under 10 minutes to go in FP3!

Qualifying start time!

After three fascinating practice sessions, we’re all set for qualifying this afternoon at a baking hot Albert Park!

Qualifying takes place at 5am (GMT), that’s 4pm local time.

Max Verstappen back to P1!

OK, now that’s a statement!

Verstappen goes P1 by four-tenths to George Russell in second!

Alex Albon and Carlos Sainz now third and fourth respectively after their first laps on softs... that Williams is looking really good!

George Russell goes P1!

Mercedes join the party!

Russell goes P1 with a 1:16:402, 0.195 secs clear of new No 2 Lando Norris!

3-10: Verstappen, Leclerc, Hamilton, Albon, Sainz, Antonelli, Piastri, Tsunoda

Just over 15 mins to go!

Red Bull release detail on Liam Lawson:

The Kiwi is yet to set a time in this session.

Red Bull statement: “The current issue on car 30 is a PU or PU system problem on the air side.

“We are working to find the problem.”

Lewis Hamilton goes third-fastest!

Best we’ve seen from Lewis yet!

He goes third-fastest, behind Verstappen in 1st and Leclerc in 2nd, and is just 0.031 seconds off the Red Bull driver!

It’s tight!

Max Verstappen takes top spot!

I don’t know what Red Bull have done to their car overnight, but it looks much better than yesterday!

Verstappen puts in a 1:16:646, 0.155 secs ahead of Alex Albon now in second!

3-10: Antonelli, Piastri, Leclerc, Norris, Sainz, Hulkenberg, Russell, Hamilton

Hamilton was on a personal best lap, but then abandoned the lap in the second sector. Unsure why...

30 mins to go in FP3!

Oscar Piastri P1!

The Aussie goes fastest with a 1:17:298, 0.334 seconds clear of Max Verstappen in second.

And Piastri is joined by compatriot Jack Doohan in the top-three!

4-10: Leclerc, Antonelli, Sainz, Gasly, Ocon, Alonso, Albon

35 mins left!

WATCH: Bearman in the gravel

Not the start to FP3 Ollie Bearman needed 😔

He finds himself beached in the gravel ❌ pic.twitter.com/Kopm9Ts12u

— Sky Sports F1 (@SkySportsF1) March 15, 2025

Green flag!

Bearman’s crash has been cleared via a truck, and we get going in FP3 once again!

50 mins left in this session...

Bearman crash!

The only solace for the 19-year-old is that he didn’t hit the wall... so no obvious damage to the car!

It was just his first flying lap! He touched the grass slightly at turn 11 before spinning into the gravel!

Nevertheless, he’s set to be out of the session...

Bearman crashes!

Not again Ollie!

The Haas driver has spun into the gravel!

A shake of the head from the Brit in the cockpit....

RED FLAG!

FP3 underway!

No surprise who the first and only car out on track is straight away - Haas’ Ollie Bearman!

The British teenager missed second practice yesterday after his crash in FP1, making this a vital session for him ahead of qualifying!

Hell of an angle this!

Turns 9 and 10 are stunning at Albert Park!

Music to our ears 🎶

There's nothing like the sound of F1 cars at high speed 😮‍💨#F1#AusGPpic.twitter.com/vOPZu1lOHj

— Formula 1 (@F1) March 15, 2025

FP3 15 mins away!

It’s a big session coming up for the 20 drivers!

On a very warm day here in Melbourne, with temperatures around 31C, the drivers will make their final preparations for qualifying later on with this final hour of practice.

Will it be McLaren and Ferrari at the top? Or will we have a surprise in store...

Hamilton: It's too soon for pole

Lewis Hamilton says he does not expect to be on pole this weekend in Melbourne.

"For me I think it's a little bit early (to go for pole) as I continue to learn the car, but never say never.

"I will give it everything and (I'm) just not putting too much pressure on. Try and enjoy it. I have some pace to find. I know where to find it. It's just about going out and doing it."

Lando Norris after P3 in FP2:

“So so. It was a pretty good start to the weekend, we’ve got a good baseline. Not confident with the car in terms of right balance, particularly on low fuel. Similar to Bahrain, bit of a struggle.

“I think we’ll be strong.”

Lewis Hamilton on cloud nine as Ferrari F1 debut looms: ‘This is the most exciting period of my life’

For all his stardust, Lewis Hamilton is not always the easiest interviewee.

When he’s on-form, Formula One’s biggest star is thoughtful and genuine, with the ears of everyone in the room fixed on his words. At times, however, particularly in the last three topsy-turvy years at Mercedes, he can be reticent to speak at all.

Not now, though. Hamilton has the essence of a man completely reborn donning the famous Ferrari red and, ahead of his debut race this weekend at the Australian Grand Prix, the 40-year-old was unwavering in his exhilaration at what is to come in his 19th F1 season.

Full piece below:

Lewis Hamilton on cloud nine at Ferrari: ‘It’s the most exciting period of my life’

Martin Brundle on Bearman's crash:

“He just missed the apex, ran wide. Was probably a bit too gun-ho. It was a little bit overconfident and it will have knocked some of his confidence.

“He will lose some track time this weekend.”

Lewis Hamilton on six rookies this year:

“I remember the excitement, might not be the same for Kimi, being on track with Schumacher ahead of me, just followed him for as many laps until he came in. It’s very surreal and hard to believe it’s true, hard to believe what you’re seeing.

When I see the youngsters coming through, try to set a good example in what I do. I want to protect them from the bombardment they will experience, it can be a cruel world.

“They just need time, diamonds are created over time. I hope they have time and space to grow, be themselves, not have to conform and rush.

“Some drivers come in and are booted out straight away, I hope they’re given time. We all make mistakes in our life but we do it in front of the world. I hope you can take it easy on the youngsters, take it out on us!”

VIDEO: Ollie Bearman's crash

Ollie Bearman's big moment in practice one 💥 pic.twitter.com/8I90HUK9Zd

— Sky Sports F1 (@SkySportsF1) March 14, 2025

Lando Norris 'ready to win title', says Mika Hakkinen

McLaren legend Mika Hakkinen has backed current driver Lando Norris, saying the Brit is “absolutely ready” to win the F1 Drivers’ Championship title this year.

The 25-year-old was Max Verstappen’s closest challenger in 2024 but made key mistakes at crucial times as the Red Bull star won a fourth title on the spin.

But former world champion Hakkinen was bullish when asked if Norris is now ready to win the title.

“Absolutely, yes,” Hakkinen told theHindustan Times.“Why? Because I experienced many years of racing without success, but it was part of my development to become a good racing driver.

“You have to maintain your criticism about yourself. That way you keep developing and pushing. That means you are taking risks. Lando experienced all these elements in his career. He’s been taking risks. He’s been critical of himself. He’s been pushing flat out.

“When you’re not world champion, when you’re working towards that goal, it requires a lot of mistakes and stress. I believe Lando is ready. He is flat-out ready to achieve his goal.”

Oscar Piastri on whether McLaren can match Red Bull era of dominance:

“No, I don’t think so.

“That would be ideal, what every team dreams of but at this point in the regulations, expecting that is incredibly naive.

“This season is going to be just as tight if not tighter than the second half of last year. We have a new set of rules next year, which will change the pecking order or gaps a bit.

“This year will be a competitive year of F1, as much as I’d like to have that level of success, it’ll be very very tough.”

Zak Brown claims McLaren have ‘best driver line-up’ in F1 after Oscar Piastri deal

Oscar Piastri has signed a multi-year deal with McLaren on the eve of the opening race of the new Formula 1 season, as the Australian seeks a first championship title at last year’s constructors’-winning team.

He finished fourth last year, winning in Hungary before claiming a second victory at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, and is one of the favourites for this season.

Piastri was already under contract until 2026 and has now secured his future with the British team until at least 2028.

Read McLaren head honcho Zak Brown’s thoughts on the deal:

Zak Brown claims McLaren have ‘best driver line-up’ in F1 after Oscar Piastri deal

Michael Schumacher tribute unveiled by son Mick and Sebastian Vettel

A group of prominent Formula 1 figures showed their support for Michael Schumacher at the Race of Champions in Sydney as they urged the seven-time world champion to “keep fighting”.

Mick Schumacher, the German great’s son, and former F1 driver Sebastian Vettel were among those in attendance as a banner was unveiled at the Accor Stadium.

Schumacher suffered a traumatic brain injury in a skiing accident in 2013 and has not since been seen in public, with few updates provided by his family about his health as he rehabilitates privately.

Michael Schumacher tribute unveiled by son Mick and Sebastian Vettel: ‘Keep fighting’

Toto Wolff repsonds to Verstappen links

Mercedes boss Toto Wolff has claimed Max Verstappen is no longer on his radar and said he is ready to open talks with George Russell over a contract extension.

Wolff attempted to lure Verstappen to Mercedes as a replacement for Lewis Hamilton last year before the four-time world champion elected to stay at Red Bull.

Italian teenager Kimi Antonelli was instead promoted from the team's junior ranks alongside Russell for the new season which starts in Australia on Sunday.

Russell, 27, is entering his fourth season with Mercedes but his current deal is due to expire at the end of the year, leaving room for Wolff to make a play for Verstappen.

However, speaking in Melbourne ahead of Sunday's curtain-raiser, Wolff said: "We need to concentrate on our driver line-up.”

Ollie Bearman: ‘You only get one shot in F1 – my ultimate goal is to be a world champion’

As foolish as it sounds, Ollie Bearman’s manager was actually cut off from the call which changed the life of his most precious client. Fortunately, the British teenager himself was not short of credit on his phone.

Ahead of the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix last March, Ferrari suddenly needed a driver after Carlos Sainz fell ill. Relaxing idyllically off the shores of the Red Sea fresh from securing pole position in F2, 18-year-old Bearman spotted Ferrari boss Fred Vasseur’s name on his phone and, right then, knew he was about to be given the opportunity of a lifetime.

Kieran Jackson chats exclusively to the British F1 rookie sensation:

F1 star Bearman: ‘You only get one shot – my goal is to be a world champion’

Drive to Survive: The major F1 storylines Netflix missed in season 7

The latest season of Drive to Survive was released on Friday as the popular docu-series tells the story of the 2024 season.

Lewis Hamilton’s move to Ferrari featured prominently, as did the Christian Horner scandal and Max Verstappen’s title win. But what major stories from last year did Netflix miss in season 7?

Drive to Survive: The major F1 storylines Netflix missed in season 7

Australian Grand Prix statistics

Statistics for Sunday's season-opening Australian Grand Prix at Melbourne's Albert Park:

Lap distance: 5.278km. Total distance: 306.124km (58 laps)

2024 pole position: Max Verstappen (Red Bull) one minute 15.915 seconds.

2024 winner: Carlos Sainz (Ferrari)

Race lap record: Sergio Perez (Red Bull), 1:20.235 - 2023.

NOTE: The circuit was shortened by 28 metres, with two turns taken out and seven corners modified, in 2022.

Start time: 0400 GMT (1500 local)

Oscar Piastri on potential home win this weekend:

“We’ll see. No one knows what to expect, testing went pretty well and we’re pretty happy with how it went, Melbourne is different to Bahrain.

“Different every hour by the look of things, it’ll be an interesting weekend.

“We’re expecting to be at the front, whether it’s the pointy end we’ll see. “

Jack Doohan on first home race:

“I’m super keen to get on the track, get to tomorrow, it’s been a long time since Abu Dhabi.

“To enjoy each time I’m on track, work hard with the team, deliver on track with whatever the car’s potential so far.”

Lewis Hamilton on expectations in Australia:

“I definitely hope to be top-10! I don’t have expectations, I ultimately want to come away knowing I gave absolutely everything and excelled in every way I can, felt comfortable in the car and one foot in front of the other.

“We won’t know until tomorrow where we truly stand with the top teams, I’m hoping we can compete for top-5 – somewhere in that space.”

Why Lando Norris knows there is ‘no excuses’ now – he has to win 2025 F1 title

Taking the chequered flag in Abu Dhabi at the final race of 2024, bringing home a first constructors’ title in 26 years for McLaren, brought up mixed emotions for cheerful chappy Lando Norris.

On one hand, it was pure elation. A member of the McLaren family for eight years, this meant as much to Norris as anyone else. He described it as a “perfect” end to the season, beating Ferrari to the championship by 14 points. And he’d need no invitation; he was going to get “hammered” later that night over the border in Bahrain.

Yet in the same breath, even amid joyous papaya-clad celebrations on the pit-wall, the boy from Bristol could not help but sample that bittersweet taste. “It’s been a special year,” he said over team radio, before adding: “And next year is going to be my year, too.”

Why Lando Norris knows there are now ‘no excuses’ – he has to win 2025 F1 title

French rookie Isack Hadjar ready for F1 debut

Racing Bulls rookie Isack Hadjar is heading into the season-opening Formula 1 race in Australia with fewer than 500 laps in a Grand Prix car under his belt.

The 20-year-old Hadjar has been dubbed 'Petit Prost' — a young version of former F1 star Alain Prost — by the French media for his successes in F2 last year, when he finished runner-up with four victories. That was two more than champion Gabriel Bortoleto, now with Sauber.

The French driver has had just four practice sessions in F1 and last year's post-season test for Red Bull Racing and the brand's second Grand Prix team, now known as Racing Bulls. He says "it's enough" ahead of his first F1 race weekend.

"Ideally, I would go on different tracks, of course, because now Melbourne in an F1 car is pretty challenging," Hadjar said. "By F1 experience, I've been on really easy tracks — Bahrain and Abu Dhabi mostly. So now on really challenging tracks, it's going to be a fair bit different."

Lando Norris dismisses ‘short-sighted’ F1 teams who have McLaren as clear favourites

Lando Norris believes McLaren’s tag as clear F1 favourites is being exaggerated as the Brit looked to dampen expectations ahead of the new season.

The McLaren driver, who finished runner-up to Max Verstappen last year, is the title favourite with the bookies this year following McLaren’s constructors’ championship victory in 2024.

Yet Norris looked to downplay McLaren’s favourites tag, when asked ahead of the season-opening Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne this weekend.

Lando Norris dismisses ‘short-sighted’ F1 teams who have McLaren as clear favourites

Oscar Piastri on his new long-term contract:

“I was already signed up for this year and next but it felt like a natural progression to sign longer term.

“My years at the team have been incredible to when I joined to constructors’ champions.

“It made a lot of sense, myself and Lando are there for a long time now – it seemed like a no-brainer.”

Michael Schumacher tribute unveiled by son Mick and Sebastian Vettel: ‘Keep fighting’

A group of prominent Formula 1 figures showed their support for Michael Schumacher at the Race of Champions in Sydney as they urged the seven-time world champion to “keep fighting”.

Mick Schumacher, the German great’s son, and former F1 driver Sebastian Vettel were among those in attendance as a banner was unveiled at the Accor Stadium.

Schumacher suffered a traumatic brain injury in a skiing accident in 2013 and has not since been seen in public, with few updates provided by his family about his health as he rehabilitates privately.

Michael Schumacher tribute unveiled by son Mick and Sebastian Vettel: ‘Keep fighting’

Lewis Hamilton on Ferrari debut this weekend:

“I’m very fortunate, I’ve had a long career in Formula 1. This is very reminiscent of my first year, for all those years I’ve gone up and down the paddock and seen the red garage, now I’m in red.

“The pressure I’ve put on myself has been ten times higher than any pressure put upon me. I haven’t been made to feel any pressure, I know what I can deliver and it’s just getting my head down. No expectations this weekend... just getting used to this new car.

“This is the most exciting period of my life.”

Lewis Hamilton when asked if he's happy with the Ferrari car:

“Yes so far. I feel so. Difficult to know where we stand with everyone else, Carlos was incredibly quick, Kimi too.

“It’s going to be close between us all. I’m itching to get going, it’s been a long time coming, to think this is going to be my first grand prix with the team, very honoured and grateful to get the opportunity.”

Oscar Piastri signs long-term extension with McLaren: ‘It’s a no-brainer’

Oscar Piastri has signed a multi-year deal with McLaren on the eve of the opening race of the new Formula One season.

Piastri, 23, who was already under contract until 2026, has now secured his long-term future with the British team.

The Australian driver finished fourth in the championship last year. He opened his winning account in Hungary before claiming a second victory at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix.

With McLaren expected to carry over their constructors’-winning form into the new season, Piastri is set to battle with team-mate Lando Norris for the world title.

Speaking after his contract extension was announced, Piastri, gearing up for his third season on the F1 grid, said: “It’s a great feeling knowing that I’m part of McLaren’s long-term vision.”

Oscar Piastri signs long-term extension with McLaren: ‘It’s a no-brainer’

Oscar Piastri signs long-term extension with McLaren: ‘It’s a no-brainer’

Oscar Piastri has signed a multi-year deal with McLaren on the eve of the opening race of the new Formula One season.

Piastri, 23, who was already under contract until 2026, has now secured his long-term future with the British team.

The Australian driver finished fourth in the championship last year. He opened his winning account in Hungary before claiming a second victory at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix.

With McLaren expected to carry over their constructors’-winning form into the new season, Piastri is set to battle with team-mate Lando Norris for the world title.

Speaking after his contract extension was announced, Piastri, gearing up for his third season on the F1 grid, said: “It’s a great feeling knowing that I’m part of McLaren’s long-term vision.”

Zak Brown claims McLaren have ‘best driver line-up’ in F1 after Oscar Piastri deal

Lewis Hamilton warned over Ferrari honeymoon

Lewis Hamilton has been warned that getting used to how things are done at Ferrari after 11 years with Mercedes may take a little time, even though he has made a promising start to life in Maranello.

Writing in his season preview for Sky Sports, F1 pundit and commentator Martin Brundle gave his thoughts on Hamilton’s switch.

“The Ferrari move does seem to be working for Lewis. I've never seen him smile so much,” wrote Brundle.

“He seems really energised and invigorated by this new opportunity. Lewis has been very smart too. Obviously, he knows team boss Fred Vasseur very well from times of old, but he's had an advance party at Ferrari to integrate as quickly as he can into the team. Angela Cullen has returned, while Marc Hynes has been back in the fold for a year or two now already.

“He's got a new race engineer, Riccardo Adami, and has got to understand how Ferrari works, which will be diametrically opposed to how Mercedes works in terms of culture I suspect, in terms of procedures. Lewis is going to have to find out where all the green buttons are and I expect it will take him a little bit of time to get used to that, along with speaking some Italian.”

Lando Norris 'ready to win title', says Mika Hakkinen

McLaren legend Mika Hakkinen has backed current driver Lando Norris, saying the Brit is “absolutely ready” to win the F1 Drivers’ Championship title this year.

The 25-year-old was Max Verstappen’s closest challenger in 2024 but made key mistakes at crucial times as the Red Bull star won a fourth title on the spin.

But former world champion Hakkinen was bullish when asked if Norris is now ready to win the title.

“Absolutely, yes,” Hakkinen told theHindustan Times.“Why? Because I experienced many years of racing without success, but it was part of my development to become a good racing driver.

“You have to maintain your criticism about yourself. That way you keep developing and pushing. That means you are taking risks. Lando experienced all these elements in his career. He’s been taking risks. He’s been critical of himself. He’s been pushing flat out.

“When you’re not world champion, when you’re working towards that goal, it requires a lot of mistakes and stress. I believe Lando is ready. He is flat-out ready to achieve his goal.”

Max Verstappen told 'he doesn't have a chance' of F1 title this year

Max Verstappen does not have “a chance” of a fifth straight F1 Drivers’ Championship win in 2025 according to former driver Ralf Schumacher.

Schumacher believes Verstappen delivered a “rescue” effort in a struggling Red Bull car last year but he won’t be able to do the same again.

McLaren’s Lando Norris is the favourite to win the title this season and Schumacher is adamant Verstappen will be powerless to stop the Brit and others at the front of the grid.

Speaking on the Sky Germany podcast, Schumacher said: “Last year it was clear. Red Bull was very strong at the start of the season, but then they couldn’t handle the car. Verstappen was the rescue.

“However, he will have to get used to everything coming to an end. I don’t think he has a chance.”

Toto Wolff makes shock Max Verstappen F1 revelation after breaking ‘promise’ to Lewis Hamilton

Toto Wolff promised Lewis Hamilton he wouldn’t pursue a move for Max Verstappen while the Brit was at Mercedes, as revealed in the new season of Drive to Survive.

The Mercedes team principal, who worked with Hamilton for 12 years, spent the first half of the 2024 season looking for a replacement for the Ferrari-bound driver.

Carlos Sainz and Fernando Alonso were among the contenders, with Wolff eventually opting to promote teenage prodigy Kimi Antonelli to partner George Russell this year.

Yet Wolff made no secret of his desire to sign Hamilton’s 2021 foe Verstappen – especially amid unrest at Red Bull at the start of last season – and details as such in season seven of Drive to Survive, released on Friday.

Wolff makes shock Verstappen F1 revelation after breaking ‘promise’ to Hamilton

Lewis Hamilton admits racism in Serie A ‘crossed his mind’ before Ferrari F1 move

Lewis Hamilton has admitted that incidents of black footballers being racially abused in Italy did make him think twice when deciding to move to Ferrari this year.

The seven-time F1 world champion has switched to Ferrari after 12 years and six world titles at Mercedes. His first race in Scuderia red is at the season-opening Australian Grand Prix on 16 March.

Hamilton is also F1’s first and only black driver and has detailed in the past the “traumatising” racial abuse he has suffered, detailing in 2023 that he had bananas thrown at him and was repeatedly called the “n-word” at school. He was also racially abused at F1 testing in Barcelona in 2008.

Serie A footballers such as Mike Maignan and Moise Kean have been subject to racial abuse in the past and Hamilton did admit that racist chanting at Italian matches “crossed his mind” when making the decision to move to Ferrari last winter.

Lewis Hamilton admits racism in Serie A ‘crossed his mind’ before Ferrari F1 move

Drive to Survive review: Season 7 airs with Christian Horner Red Bull scandal rehashed on Netflix

Let’s start with the obvious: Christian Horner has been a dream for Drive to Survive since the show landed in 2019. The Red Bull F1 CEO has been front-and-centre of countless episodes in the past six seasons, gladly playing the role of F1’s pantomime villain, with numerous scenes filmed at his country mansion home in Oxfordshire, alongside Spice Girl wife Geri Halliwell.

Season seven is no different. The latest instalment, chronicling the 2024 season, begins with Horner at the wheel of his 4x4, locked in conversation with Geri about a record-breaking 2023 campaign, in which Red Bull won 21 out of 22 races.

With an air of inevitability synonymous with Netflix’s exquisitely curated narratives, Geri strikes a warning to her husband: “You never know what life’s going to bring.” In actual fact, we all know what’s coming next.

Horner scandal rehashed as Drive to Survive season 7 unearths new F1 villain

Dream move or nightmare in waiting? Lewis Hamilton on red alert with Ferrari

The eyes of the sporting world will be on Lewis Hamilton when the lights go out for Sunday’s season-opening Australian Grand Prix.

Hamilton will fulfil a lifelong ambition by starting his 19th Formula One campaign in the red of Ferrari following a mouth-watering transfer from Mercedes which is set to earn him north of £100m.

However, with change comes extraordinary pressure.

Hamilton is widely considered F1’s G.O.A.T. No driver boasts more victories or pole positions in the sport’s 75-year history, his record tally of seven world championships is one he shares with Michael Schumacher and he transcends the sport. But it is not hyperbole to suggest Hamilton’s legacy is on the line.

Dream move or nightmare in waiting? Lewis Hamilton on red alert with Ferrari

Alpine add a fourth F1 reserve with India's Maini

Alpine have added a fourth test and reserve driver to their roster with the announcement of Indian Kush Maini.

Formula Two driver Maini, 24, joins a list that includes Argentine Franco Colapinto, Estonian Paul Aron and Japan's Ryo Hirakawa.

Alpine now have twice as many reserves as race drivers, with Colapinto already having F1 race experience with Williams and widely seen as a future replacement for Australian rookie Jack Doohan.

The team said Maini would offer support by using the driver-in-loop simulator at the Enstone factory and taking part in the testing of previous cars (TPC) programme.

‘No love lost’ between George Russell and Max Verstappen as last season’s feud rumbles on

The dispute between four-time F1 champion Max Verstappen and Mercedes’ George Russell shows no sign of abating as the new season gets underway.

The pair memorably clashed after the Qatar Grand Prix last season, when Verstappen, the eventual winner, was penalised for impeding the Brit.

Russell claimed that afterwards Verstappen threatened to "purposefully go out of his way to crash into me and 'put me on my head in the wall'", while his Dutch counterpart said he had “lost all respect” for the Mercedes driver.

‘No love lost’ between Russell and Verstappen as feud rumbles on