The wait is almost over. Honestly, the Formula 1 off-season always feels like an eternity, even when the previous year ended in a desert dust-up just a few weeks back. If you're wondering when does the 2025 f1 season start, mark your calendars for March 14, 2025. That’s when the first practice engines will scream to life at Albert Park.
It feels right, doesn't it? Australia is back as the season opener.
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For the last few years, we’ve grown used to the dusty plains of Sakhir in Bahrain hosting the first round. But 2025 is the 75th anniversary of the FIA Formula One World Championship, and the schedule looks a bit different this time around. Because of Ramadan falling in March, the Middle Eastern races had to be pushed back. This cleared the way for Melbourne to reclaim its traditional spot at the top of the pile.
The Official 2025 F1 Season Start Dates
The "start" of the season is actually a two-stage process. You’ve got the dress rehearsal, and then the real deal.
Before the lights go out in Melbourne, the teams head to the desert. Pre-season testing is scheduled for February 26–28, 2025, at the Bahrain International Circuit. It's three days of sand, sensors, and "sandbagging"—where teams try to hide their true pace so they don't show their hand too early.
Then comes the main event. The 2025 Australian Grand Prix weekend runs from Friday, March 14 to Sunday, March 16.
Why the March 14 Start Matters
Starting in Australia changes the whole vibe. In Bahrain, the track is a permanent, high-grip facility. Albert Park? It's a semi-street circuit. It’s bumpy. It’s dusty. It punishes mistakes. If a team nailed their winter aero package but can't handle the bumps of Melbourne, we’re going to see some very frustrated drivers very early on.
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Plus, the jet lag is a killer for the European-based crews. Jumping straight into a flyaway race in Australia to open a record-tying 24-race calendar is a massive logistical headache for teams like Ferrari and Mercedes.
What’s Different This Year?
If you think this is just a repeat of last year, you’ve been living under a rock. Or maybe you just don't spend eight hours a day on F1 Twitter. Either way, the 2025 grid is a seismic shift.
Lewis Hamilton in Red. Seeing the seven-time champ in a Ferrari fire suit is going to be surreal. It’s the move everyone said would never happen. Hamilton joining Charles Leclerc creates arguably the most talented, and potentially most combustible, driver pairing we’ve seen in a decade.
The Rookie Invasion.
While 2024 was weirdly stable with no mid-season rookie entries initially, 2025 is throwing the doors open. We’ve got Kimi Antonelli stepping into Hamilton’s massive shoes at Mercedes. Then there's Oliver Bearman at Haas and Gabriel Bortoleto at Sauber. These kids aren't just here to fill the grid; they’re the next generation of superstars.
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Key Dates for the First Five Rounds
- Australia (Melbourne): March 14–16
- China (Shanghai): March 21–23 (Includes the first Sprint Race!)
- Japan (Suzuka): April 4–6
- Bahrain (Sakhir): April 11–13
- Saudi Arabia (Jeddah): April 18–20
Notice the gap after China? The "spring" slot for Japan is a newer fixture. It’s beautiful with the cherry blossoms, but it’s a long haul from Melbourne to Shanghai and then Suzuka.
Don't Get Caught Out by the Times
If you’re in Europe or the Americas, "when does the 2025 f1 season start" usually means "how early do I have to wake up?"
For the Melbourne opener, you're looking at some late nights or very early mornings. Qualifying and the Race usually happen around 3:00 PM or 4:00 PM local time. For fans in New York, that’s midnight. For London, it’s 4:00 or 5:00 AM.
Basically, stock up on coffee now.
Actionable Tips for the 2025 Opener
Don't just watch the race; watch it like an expert. Here is what you should actually do to prepare for the March 14 start:
- Watch the Bahrain Test (Feb 26-28): Don't look at the lap times. Look at the long-run consistency. If the Red Bull or McLaren looks like it’s on rails for 15 laps straight, they’re the ones to beat.
- Check the Sprint Schedule: Remember that China (Round 2) is a Sprint weekend. This means you only get one practice session before competitive sessions start. It usually leads to chaos.
- Fantasy F1 Deadlines: Most fantasy leagues lock your team before Free Practice 1 in Melbourne. Since that's on Friday morning in Australia, you’ll likely need to have your team set by Thursday night if you're in the US.
- Technical Regulation Stability: Since 2025 is the last year before the massive 2026 engine changes, most teams are evolving their 2024 cars rather than building brand-new ones. Expect the gaps between the top four teams—Red Bull, McLaren, Ferrari, and Mercedes—to be razor-thin.
The 2025 season is shaping up to be a historic farewell to this generation of cars. With 24 races, six sprints, and Lewis Hamilton in a Ferrari, March 14 can't come soon enough.
Keep an eye on the official F1 app for the specific FP1 start times as the weekend approaches. Most sessions will be broadcast on Sky Sports in the UK and ESPN/ABC in the United States.