F1 News: Why Does 2025 Calendar Begin With Australia?

Author:
Alex Harrington
Apr 15, 2024

In a refreshing twist to its calendar, Formula 1 has announced that the 2025 season will commence in Melbourne, Australia. This pivotal decision marks the return of the Australian Grand Prix to its prestigious slot as the season opener, a position it has not held since 2019. Scheduled for March 16, the event promises to reignite the excitement and anticipation that traditionally accompanies the start of a new F1 season.

Over the past few years, the Bahrain Grand Prix had become a familiar curtain-raiser for Formula 1, serving as the season opener from 2021 through 2024. However scheduling conflicts arose due to Ramadan. Notably, in 2024, the Bahrain race took place on a Saturday to avoid clashing with the holy month, a move that was also mirrored in the scheduling of the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix which also featured on the Saturday.

However, the decision to move the season's start from the Middle East to Australia for 2025 was influenced by more than just religious observances. The F1 administration aimed to optimize the race calendar for logistical reasons and to balance the global spread of events throughout the season. By scheduling Bahrain and Saudi Arabia as the fourth and fifth races, respectively, the organization allows for a more coherent flow of race locations and provides teams and fans with a more predictable and streamlined travel schedule, as well as avoiding a Saturday start to the season.

This shift also underscores a broader strategy by Formula 1 to revitalize fan engagement and enhance the global appeal of the sport. Starting the season in Australia leverages the country's enthusiastic fan base and favorable climate, setting a vibrant tone for the year. Moreover, the logistical adjustments within the calendar reflect a meticulous approach to addressing the challenges of an extensive and demanding global tour, including the intricate coordination of team logistics and broadcast scheduling across different time zones.

As the season is set to begin slightly later than usual, teams will benefit from additional preparation time, especially with this season finishing so late. This will hopefully allow for a little more preparation time ahead of the season start, which teams will be more than grateful for.

Official 2025 F1 Calendar

14-16 March: Australia, Melbourne
21-23 March: China, Shanghai
4-6 April: Japan, Suzuka
11-13 April: Bahrain, Sakhir
18-20 April: Saudi Arabia, Jeddah
2-4 May: USA, Miami
16-18 May: Italy, Imola
23-25 May: Monaco, Monaco
30 May – 1 June: Spain, Barcelona
13-15 June: Canada, Montreal
27-29 June: Austria, Spielberg
4-6 July: United Kingdom, Silverstone
25-27 July: Belgium, Spa
1-3 August: Hungary, Budapest
29-31 August: Netherlands, Zandvoort
5-7 September: Italy, Monza
19-21 September: Azerbaijan, Baku
3-5 October: Singapore, Singapore
17-19 October: USA, Austin
24-26 October: Mexico, Mexico City
7-9 November: Brazil, São Paulo
20-22 November: USA, Las Vegas
28-30 November: Qatar, Lusail
5-7 December: Abu Dhabi, Yas Marina