McLaren heads to F1 Melbourne GP as favorite “A special track where we usually do well”. The MCL39 is developing well and gives confidence to McLaren .

McLaren prepares for the Australian GP debut
McLaren is gearing up for the first GP of the 2025 F1 season with all eyes on them. The Bahrain tests, although not particularly flashy in terms of lap times, provided a clear picture of the competitive field, with the MCL39 appearing to be the early favorite. Thanks to its particularly gentle handling of Pirelli tires and the impressive race pace shown by Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri over three days of winter testing in Sakhir, the Woking-based team is looking formidable. They are revving up for a weekend as the main contender in Melbourne.

Lando Norris is confident
“I’m excited,” explains Lando Norris, “to start the 2025 season in Melbourne. It’s a special track for me because it’s where I made my debut with McLaren in 2019. This circuit has been good to us in the past, and we hope to carry our momentum from 2024 into this year. Winter testing was productive for us, but we won’t know exactly where we stand until Saturday’s qualifying. I believe this will be an exciting season, with very close races. There will be a lot of competition, and I hope that makes the championship very interesting for the fans. In the meantime, I’m ready to get the season started.”

The anticipation of “home hero” Oscar Piastri
“Walking along Melbourne Walk,” added teammate Oscar Piastri, who was born and raised in Victoria’s capital, “and receiving so much positive energy is a moment that always gives me goosebumps. The support I get in Melbourne is phenomenal, and it still feels surreal to have so many fans shouting my name. It means a lot, so I want to thank everyone who will be cheering for me. I’m a bit biased, of course, but the atmosphere at Albert Park is always incredible, and being the season opener, I’m sure it will be even better. It’s the first race I look for when the calendar is released and the one that matters the most. I’m very proud to be Australian, and I can’t wait to race in my home country and hometown in front of all my fans.” – he pointed out.

Andrea Stella fires up the McLaren camp
“This week,” concluded McLaren team principal Andrea Stella, “we officially start the 2025 Formula 1 season as we head to Melbourne for the first of 24 races. Everyone at McLaren has worked hard over the winter to be ready for what looks like one of the most competitive and unpredictable seasons in F1. The Albert Park Grand Prix circuit should provide some good opportunities for a strong start to F1’s 75th-anniversary season. I’d like to thank everyone in the team for their dedication, as well as our technical and commercial partners and our fans for their continued support as we embark on another exciting championship.”