F1 | Australian GP | 

The first race of the season is upon us in Australia, and despite three Practice sessions, none of the FIA Formula 1 teams are giving much away. The term, Sandbagging, is being thrown around the paddock, as many teams held off completing a full lap until the final moments of P3.

The general consensus in the paddock is that Albert Park is a very popular place to begin the season. 

However, being a street circuit means it still isn’t a true representation of how the majority of the season will go at traditional race circuit.

What can be judged is the ease Esteban Ocon has settled into the Haas team.

I asked Ocon about the car and which type of circuit the VF-25 may be better suited for; a street circuit or traditional race track?

“I think it’s a bit early to say. Overall I think we’re going have to wait a little bit more.

Ocon’s experience is shining through. Despite driving for a new team in 2025, it feels from the onset that he’s been behind the wheel of the Haas for many years:

“We know exactly where we have to improve straight away, and where the strong points of the car is. It is very clear to us, which is a very good thing you know. 

“From the first day we’ve managed to put the finger on where we needed to improve, and that’s good.”

L.A.Wilshaw