F1 Australian GP betting preview, racing tips & odds | Formula 1
The Australian Grand Prix kicks off the much-anticipated 2025 Formula 1 season this weekend, and it is shaping to be a blockbuster opening to the campaign.
It stars with Free Practice 1 at 12:30pm AEDT on Friday, March 14, while the race is set for 3pm AEDT on Sunday, March 16.
With only preseason testing to go off, the practice sessions will be crucial in evaluating the speed of all the teams for the Australian GP.
There is a possibility of rain late in the weekend — so could we see the oldies excel, or will we have a crazy season-opener in Melbourne like 2019 again?
McLaren is expected to do well again this season with a car that’s even faster than last year, while the mighty Red Bulls are dropping lower and lower in the rankings after losing the Constructors Championship last season.
2025 Australian Grand Prix betting odds
Following the latest updates, Lando Norris leads the betting odds with top online bookmakers, with strong competition from Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc and Red Bull’s Max Verstappen.
- Lando Norris (McLaren) – +175
- Charles Leclerc (Ferrari) – +450
- Max Verstappen (Red Bull) – +450
- Lewis Hamilton (Ferrari) – +650
- Oscar Piastri (McLaren) – +650
- George Russell (Mercedes) – +1000
- Kimi Antonelli (Mercedes) – +3300
- Liam Lawson (Red Bull) – +4000
- Alex Albon (Williams) – +6600
- Carlos Sainz (Williams) – +6600
More odds provided at Neds
Australian GP 2025 betting predictions
Carlos Sainz (Williams) top-six finish
People may think this is a big ask for his debut at Williams, but following preseason testing and his past performances in Australia, Carlos Sainz is going to go out and prove he’s still a top driver in a middle-of-the-pack team. With rain expected and five rookies in the field, the race is set for a few yellow flags, so the $5 at Bet365 is good value for Sainz to snatch a top-six finish.
Carlos Sainz top-six finish
Oscar Piastri (McLaren) podium finish
The hometown hero will be looking to secure his maiden podium in Australia, and while it’s still unknown, McLaren still looks to have the fastest car. With a good qualification, Oscar Piastri can set himself up nicely to stand on the steps post-race.
Oscar Piastri podium finish
Pierre Gasly (Alpine) points finish
While the Alpine is fast, they will come out with pace, and now Pierre Gasly doesn’t have to worry about his teammate pinning him into a wall. Gasly will come out firing, and if it’s anything like a typical season-opener in Australia, it is not hard to see him squeezing into the top 10.
