The activity in the Melbourne paddock is frantic. The eve of the first race of the 2025 Formula 1 season sees all the staff dealing with small adjustments that will soon become routine. The team technicians are almost at full strength, and the day’s activities included some preliminary technical briefings and finishing touches on the cars in the garages, which are shielded by panels that prevent observing the assembly of the vehicles. The barriers will be removed tomorrow, when the game will begin (even if with engines off) with more open cards.
Ferrari arrived at the Albert Park circuit with the right amount of confidence, mixed with the uncertainties shared with other top teams.
“The wait is over and we are ready to hit the track for the first race of the season,” commented Frederic Vasseur. “In a way, it feels like going back in time, as it has been several years since Australia last hosted the opening round. The Albert Park street circuit is not particularly representative of what we will face in the rest of the championship, but here last year we did well, and we are confident for the upcoming weekend.”
The 2024 double podium, although helped by a technical issue with Max Verstappen’s Red Bull, marked Ferrari’s first high point of the season. Twelve months later, there is an awareness of a stronger potential, but due to the Bahrain tests (held in very atypical track conditions), some questions remain.
“Of course, there are many unknowns and we can’t wait to find out what the hierarchy will be on track,” confirmed Frederic Vasseur. “Especially because the results from the Bahrain test were very difficult to interpret. During the winter, we worked hard at the factory in Maranello, and so did Charles, who focused particularly on his physical preparation, and Lewis, who gave his best to integrate into the team as quickly as possible.” – he pointed out.
Rain, which fell this afternoon in Albert Park, could complicate the pre-race plans. Weather forecasts indicate a high chance of a wet Grand Prix, but oceanic winds could change the scenario.
“I believe we have everything we need to do well,” continued Fred Vasseur. “But, as always, first of all, we will focus on ourselves, knowing that this is just the beginning of a very long season. A week ago, we received a wonderful welcome in Milan from a sea of our fans, and now, in Melbourne, we want to give our best to give them something to be proud of.” – the French manager concluded ahead of the Australian Grand Prix.
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