Based upon pre-season testing and the Melbourne weekend, McLaren appear to be the team to beat in 2025 after building upon winning the Constructors' Championship last season in what is expected to be a four-way duel throughout the year also including Red Bull, Mercedes and Ferrari.

Max Verstappen had been leading the world championship since the inception of the current ground effect era in 2022.

After struggling with setup issues through Australian Grand Prix practice, Max Verstappen was surprised by his Red Bull car's performance on Saturday as the Formula One defending champion took third place in qualifying for the season-opening race.

Formula 1 reigning champion Max Verstappen has reportedly 'declined' to participate in TikTok videos for Red Bull's social media platforms. The 27-year-old Dutchman, known for his light-hearted content and meme reenactments, has allegedly suggested that new team-mate Liam Lawson should take over these duties.

Helmut Marko has identified a recurring "problem" with the Red Bull RB21 depsite Max Verstappen's "ideal" result in Australian GP qualifying.

Verstappen was not the only Red Bull struggler, as his new team-mate Liam Lawson was a lowly 17th in Friday's second session, more than a second behind leader Leclerc. The Kiwi will be under pressure to at least cling onto Verstappen's coat-tails this season after earning a rapid promotion from Racing Bulls.

After struggling with setup issues through Australian Grand Prix practice, Max Verstappen was surprised by his Red Bull car's performance on Saturday as the Formula 1 defending champion took third place in qualifying for the season-opening race.

Safety car deployed after HUGE F1 crash in Melbourne. Max Verstappen took an unexpected second place, with the Mercedes of George Russell rounding out the podium after