The Inside Track: Unveiling the 2025 Australian Grand Prix Favorites and Predictions

The Australian Grand Prix stands as a pinnacle of motorsport in Australia, with a legacy that spans over a century.

As the event gears up to grace the Albert Park Circuit in Melbourne, top contenders, including Lando Norris, Max Verstappen, and Lewis Hamilton, vie for the win in what promises to be a thrilling race to kick off the 2025 Formula 1 season.

Key Takeaways

The 2025 Australian Grand Prix is scheduled for March 16 at Melbourne’s Albert Park Circuit, airing on ESPN at 5 a.m. ET.

Lando Norris emerges as the bookmakers’ favorite with odds of +225, closely followed by Max Verstappen (+300) and Charles Leclerc (+350).

Norris’s strong performance in the previous season, including two victories and multiple podium finishes, propels him to the forefront.

Leclerc, Verstappen, and Hamilton, all previous winners, remain formidable competitors. Verstappen is our top pick for the 2025 race.

Despite Norris’s favouritism, Verstappen’s consistent success at season starts positions him as the likely victor.

The Australian Grand Prix returns on March 16, 2025, launching the new Formula 1 season from Melbourne’s famous Albert Park Circuit. With over a century of racing history behind it, this year’s event is shaping up to be a thriller, as some of the sport’s biggest names go wheel-to-wheel in the season opener.

Who’s Favoured to Win?

The early betting action has Lando Norris leading the pack, but the competition is fierce. Here’s a look at the frontrunners:

Driver	Odds	Key Stat
Lando Norris	+225	2 wins and multiple podiums last season
Max Verstappen	+300	Winner of the last two season openers
Charles Leclerc	+350	Took victory at Albert Park in 2023
Lewis Hamilton	+500	2-time Australian GP winner

After a breakout season that saw him finish second in the Drivers’ Championship, Norris has emerged as the bookmakers’ favourite to take his first Australian Grand Prix win. But standing in his way is Max Verstappen, the reigning world champion, who has made a habit of starting seasons strong—winning the opening race two years in a row.

Meanwhile, Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton are proven performers at Albert Park, making this one of the most competitive season openers we’ve seen in years.

Who’s the Best Bet?

While Norris is rightly getting attention, Verstappen is the value pick here. His dominance in recent season openers, combined with Red Bull’s proven pace, makes him a tough man to bet against when the lights go out in Melbourne.

Race Info

Date: Sunday, March 16, 2025
Time: 5 a.m. ET
Broadcast: ESPN

Whether you’re setting an early alarm, having a punt, or just excited for the first F1 action of the year, the 2025 Australian Grand Prix is set to deliver. Will Norris convert his momentum into a win? Can Verstappen continue his season-opening streak? Or will one of the veterans steal the show?

Whatever happens, expect speed, strategy, and plenty of drama at Albert Park.