Can Oscar Piastri and Jack Doohan Make History at the Australian Grand Prix?

McLaren’s Oscar Piastri aims for a historic home victory, while Alpine’s Jack Doohan faces pressure in his F1 debut. Can they defy expectations at the Australian GP 2025?

Formula 1 returns to Melbourne as the season opener for the first time since 2019. For local drivers Oscar Piastri (McLaren) and Jack Doohan (Alpine), this race isn’t just the beginning of a new championship—it’s an opportunity to make history.

After helping McLaren secure the 2023 Constructors’ Championship—their first since 1998—Piastri now has his eyes set on the drivers’ title. Last season, he won two races but finished 82 points behind his teammate Lando Norris. Now, he is determined to become the first-ever Australian to win his home Grand Prix.

History isn’t on his side. No Australian driver has ever won the Australian Grand Prix, and even podium finishes have been rare. Daniel Ricciardo stood on the podium in 2014, only to have his result disqualified. However, McLaren’s strong pre-season testing performances—where even Lewis Hamilton suggested they might be the fastest team—make Piastri a legitimate contender for victory.

Jack Doohan is making his full-time Formula 1 debut with Alpine, joining a field of five rookies this season. After being promoted from a reserve role, he knows his priority is simple: maximize performance and prove his worth.

Over the winter, Alpine signed Franco Colapinto from Williams as a reserve driver on a multiyear deal, with the long-term goal of potentially giving him a seat. While Colapinto has impressed the team, Alpine has yet to make any firm decisions about its future driver lineup. Still, Doohan understands that strong early-season performances will be crucial to securing his seat beyond this year.

Despite the pressure, Doohan remains focused on getting the most out of his car. Alpine struggled with performance last season, and it remains to be seen whether they have made enough improvements to be competitive. His ability to deliver consistent results will be key.

Can Piastri break Australia’s long-standing winless streak at home? Is McLaren truly capable of challenging Red Bull and Ferrari? And will Doohan do enough to solidify his place in the sport? The 2025 Australian Grand Prix will provide the first answers.

Source: nytimes.com