PADDOCK INSIDER: McLaren's chances, Hamilton at Ferrari and Verstappen's quest for a fifth title – F1's 2025 season starts here

Melbourne’s Albert Park was rocking with fans on Thursday, with the paddock buzzing, too – and that’s despite the fact there were no Formula 1 cars on the on-track bill. Rarely has there been so much anticipation for a F1 season, which many insiders feel has the potential to be one of the closest the sport has ever seen...

Can McLaren prove that last year wasn’t a one-off?

McLaren arrived in Melbourne with the favourites’ tag in tow, such was their accomplished performance in Bahrain pre-season testing – helped in part by Lando Norris’ superb race run on day two and the data showing they were quick over one lap, too.