The 2025 Australian Grand Prix began in dramatic fashion under treacherous wet conditions, with multiple drivers crashing out before completing a single lap. Isack Hadjar, Jack Doohan, and Carlos Sainz all saw their races come to a premature end, causing an early safety car deployment and shaking up the competition at Albert Park.
Hadjar’s Formation Lap Misfortune
Even before the race officially began, Isack Hadjar suffered a disastrous moment on the formation lap. The Racing Bulls driver lost control of his car at Turn 2, spinning into the barriers and damaging his rear wing beyond repair. The incident led to a brief delay as marshals worked to clear the wreckage, with Hadjar retiring from the race before even making it to the grid.
Doohan’s Early Exit in Front of Home Crowd
Once the race started, Jack Doohan faced heartbreak in front of his home fans. Exiting Turn 5, the Alpine driver lost control of his car, possibly due to the wet painted lines on the track, and crashed into the barriers. The impact ended his race instantly and prompted the stewards to deploy the safety car, as debris needed to be cleared from the circuit.
Sainz Spins Out Under Safety Car Conditions
As drivers attempted to navigate the track under safety car conditions, Carlos Sainz also found himself in trouble. While approaching the final corner, the Williams driver suffered an apparent torque surge, causing him to lose rear grip and spin into the wall. The incident forced yet another retirement and left his team baffled over what exactly triggered the loss of control.
With three cars eliminated within moments of the start, teams scrambled to reassess their race strategies. The early safety car period gave drivers a chance to evaluate tire performance under wet conditions while some opted for early pit stops to adapt to the changing track surface.
The dramatic start to the Australian Grand Prix has already reshaped the race’s dynamics, with key contenders out early and unexpected names moving up the order. These incidents will likely spark post-race discussions about the track conditions, driver errors, and team strategies. As the race continues, the focus shifts to who can capitalize on the chaos and emerge victorious in Melbourne.