Max Verstappen is prepared for the first round of the new Formula 1 season to be wet as forecasts for the Australian Grand Prix show a high chance of rain.
“The weather seems like it’s a bit all over the place every single day,” said the Red Bull driver in Melbourne. “We’re going to experience quite a bit of heat and then a bit of rain, probably.”
Forecasts indicate changeable conditions throughout F1’s three days of on-track action at Albert Park.
Some cloud cover is expected during Friday’s two practice sessions, with ambient temperatures of up to 27C. Saturday will be significantly warmer, however, hitting a peak of 35C. As qualifying will begin at 4pm, conditions are likely to be cooling by then.
Although Sunday will remain warm, forecasts indicate a strong chance of showers and potentially also thunderstorms during the day. The total rainfall could be as much as 20mm.
Melbourne is hosting F1’s season opener for the first time since 2019, following the cancellation of the 2020 race due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Verstappen, who made his debut at this race 10 years ago, is pleased the opening race has returned to Australia.
“I’m happy that it’s the first race again,” he said. “I prefer arriving here and just having the first race. It’s also how I started in Formula 1, then for a couple of years it went to another grand prix.”
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“The track itself as well is very fast,” he added. “Of course a few years ago they changed the layout of the track and I think that makes it a bit more exciting also to race on.”
However the reigning world champion remains doubtful about his car’s pace following pre-season testing. “I think we all expected a little bit more from it,” he said.
“But in a way I’m just very happy to be here because then we can finally see where we’re at because otherwise you just keep on thinking about it and it makes no sense anyway. You have to start at some point and hopefully it’s not too bad.”
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2025 Australian Grand Prix
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- Verstappen ready for wet start to season as forecast shows high risk of rain
