FIA Thursday press conference – 2025 Australian Grand Prix

PART ONE – Max VERSTAPPEN (Red Bull Racing), Oscar PIASTRI (McLaren), Jack DOOHAN (Alpine)

Q: Let’s start with the champ. How are you and what sort of shape are Red Bull in as we embark on this new 24 race campaign?

Max VERSTAPPEN: Yeah, all good. What kind of shape? Positive shape I guess. I don’t know. Guess we’ll find out more this weekend and after it. Yeah, we’ll try to do our best. I mean, there’s not really much more that we can do, You know, testing isn’t many days. So we found, already, a few areas that we can work on and that’s what we’ll continue to do so.

Q: What did you learn in testing, particularly that final day when you were in the car the whole time? Is the car a step forward over the car that finished last year?

MV: Yeah, I think naturally there is an improvement, but I think I’ve said it before: there are still things that we want to improve on and do better now. This is of course also a different track to Bahrain. So yeah, that already will feel a bit different to drive the car here. But yeah, step by step.

Q: Are you expecting a tighter season this year compared to last year?

MV: Impossible to know at the moment. I mean, I know that we are not the quickest at the moment, but again, it’s a very long season. If you would have asked that question here last year and then at the end of the season again, you know it looked completely different. So a lot of things can always change quite quickly in Formula One.

Q: OK, thank you very much for. Good luck this weekend, Jack. Can we come to you now? Your first home race, a huge moment for you. A huge moment for your family. Describe your emotions sitting here now?

Jack DOOHAN: Yeah, to be honest, I’m super keen just to get on the track. Been so much build up. A long time since we finished in Abu Dhabi it feels now, so I’m excited to get to tomorrow, FP1 on the way, and enjoy actually driving these race cars.

Q: What goals have you set yourself for the weekend?

JD: To enjoy. Enjoy each time I’m on track, because number one, that’s why I’m here, because I enjoy what I do. And to work hard with the team, ensure that we extracted everything we could from Bahrain pre-season testing and put that into play for this weekend and then deliver on track, whatever the car’s potential.

Q: You mentioned the potential of the car. Tell us what you learned in Bahrain. Same question as I asked Max. What sort of shape are you in?

JD: I think it was positive. We got 55 laps more as a team than we did in the previous pre-season testing. The car was reliable. You know, I was comfy in the car, got to get a good grip. Obviously, Bahrain had strange conditions—not typical temperatures, high winds. So let’s see. You know, it’s going to be looking super hot, especially for Saturday here, but it’s difficult to give you an answer. We’re going to find out very soon, for sure.

Q: Good luck, enjoy it. Thank you. Oscar, coming to you now. No Australian has won the Australian Grand Prix. Could this be the year?

Oscar PIASTRI: I don’t know. We’ll see. I know what you want me to say, and everyone’s headline can be that, but we’ll see. I think, you know, obviously no one really knows what to expect. Testing went pretty well, but you don’t know where everybody stands. I think we’re pretty happy with how our test went, but as we’ve said, Melbourne is a completely different track to Bahrain. Weather is going to be different to Bahrain and different every hour, by the look of it. So it’s going to be an interesting weekend for sure, but I think hopefully we’re expecting to be somewhere up the front. Whether that’s right at the pointy end, we’ll wait until Saturday, I think.

Q: Not long to wait, and you come into the weekend with a new contract in your back pocket. Tell us why you decided to commit to McLaren long-term.

OP: I mean, it was from both sides, really. I was already signed up for this year and the next, but it felt like just a very natural progression to sign for an even longer term. Obviously, last year was an incredible year for the team. I think my two years at the team have been pretty incredible—starting from where we were when I joined to being Constructors’ champions now. It made a lot of sense in my mind to try and continue that and build with the team. Obviously, myself and Lando are both there for a long time now. Andrea is on a long-term contract, Zak, the key technical staff as well. So yeah, for me, it seemed like a no-brainer, and I think it was reciprocated from the team as well.

QUESTIONS FROM THE FLOOR

Q: (David Croft – Sky Sports F1) Jack, Oscar, Max, lovely to see you all again, and good luck for the weekend. Max, I’m going to turn to you. You can’t predict this season, but you’ve had three successful title defences. What goes into a successful title defence? Where can it be won and lost? And once you’ve helped us with that answer, is this going to be your toughest title defence yet?

MV: Yeah, there’s a lot of things that you make me think about that I actually don’t think about. So it’s actually way more relaxing to just go into it, trust the people around you, and go from there. You know, work hard on and off track, try to address things that you don’t like in a car or whatever, and always try to do the best on track yourself. Try to minimize mistakes and keep scoring points.

Q: (David Croft – Sky Sports F1) And is this going to be your hardest one yet?

MV: I don’t know. I don’t think about it. There’s no reason to think about that yet.

Q: (Nelson Valkenburg – Viaplay) Oscar, congratulations on your new contract. You probably haven’t binged Drive to Survive yet, but we heard Zak Brown saying this is the start of the age of Lando Norris. Did you make him swallow his words a bit when you signed that contract, or is that the goal for this?

OP: I haven’t watched it, to be honest. I feel like I have a pretty good idea of what happens, so I don’t need to watch it again on TV. No, I mean, obviously there’s a lot of things in Drive to Survive that, you know, we never quite know how it’s been cut up. But no, I think for myself, I’m very confident in what I can do. We’re going into the season starting from zero for both of us, and we’re both obviously going to be trying to fight for a world championship. So yeah, I’m pretty confident in what I can do and aware that there are things that I need to do better from last season. But I’m confident that we’ve done a lot of hard work to try and improve that and go out and have a good year.

Q: (Craig Slater – Sky Sports) Another one for Max again. I think you spoke to the Dutch media and said you didn’t think you could contend for victory. Is that circuit-specific, or are you particularly concerned about the pace you saw from McLaren?

MV: Exactly that. Yeah, yeah. I mean, you answered it for yourself.

Q: (Mara Sangiorgio – Sky Sports Italy) Question to Oscar. Do you have the feeling that McLaren can open a Red Bull-style cycle of dominance like we’ve seen in recent years?

OP: No, I don’t think so. Obviously, that would be ideal—to try and have that level of success and competitiveness. I think that’s what every team dreams of and what every driver dreams of. But at this point in the regulations, with how last season went, expecting that is incredibly naive. I think this season is going to be just as tight, if not even tighter, than the second half of last year especially. So yeah, of course, that’s what we want to aim for, but we have a new set of rules coming next year, and that’s probably going to change the pecking order quite a bit—or at least the gaps quite a bit. So I don’t think it’s the same circumstances. But also, I think this year is going to be an incredibly competitive year of F1. As much as I would like to try and have that level of success, I think it’s going to be very, very tough.

Q: (Nelson Valkenburg – Viaplay) Next question for Jack. How important was it for you to get that Abu Dhabi race under your belt? And since you’re part of a big group of rookie drivers this year, until when are you considered a rookie? Some drivers have done a couple more races and are still being called rookies. Where’s the cut-off line there? But mainly, how important was Abu Dhabi for you?

Jack DOOHAN: Yeah, Abu Dhabi was important, to be honest. Going into Abu Dhabi, you know, there were nerves. And to be honest, I was already thinking about this weekend back then. My feelings have changed quite a lot since then. With so much time to digest, that this weekend’s going to happen. A lot of off period, and I’ve become very comfortable and relaxed with what’s to come, and it’s helped a lot. You know, the team has been amazing in helping with that. Abu Dhabi was great just to go through the motions and learn how the weekend goes actually being in the driver’s seat and not from a third point of view. And about the rookie question—I don’t really know. Technically, maybe I’m not a rookie after doing that race last year since it’s not officially my debut, but I’m sure after a few races you can’t really be called a rookie anymore. It’s a difficult one. I think it depends on anyone’s opinion.

Q: So Liam Lawson—not a rookie, right?

JD: I wouldn’t say so, technically. I mean, he’s raced in two different seasons now, right? And in quite a few races. I wouldn’t officially say that.

Q: Oscar, when did you stop feeling like a rookie in Formula One?

OP: When I signed my contract again yesterday! No, I think you’re constantly learning. Even now, two years in, there are still things you always learn and improve. I’m sure if you ask Lewis and Fernando, it’s still the same, however many decades later. I think after the first race or the first couple of races, you start to feel a bit more comfortable. A home race is a tough circumstance for a second race, but once you get some of those big milestones out of the way and have a few good results on the board, that always helps with the nerves as well.

Q: (Aldona Marciniak – Eleven Sports) Oscar, obviously everyone sees McLaren as a favorite at the start of the season. If that’s the case, what are the rules of engagement? Have you already talked about how you will handle things internally between yourself and Lando?

OP: Yeah. I mean, we’re starting from a clean slate, and ultimately, whoever’s going to be faster on track is going to be the one who wins and finishes higher. So yeah, we’re very much clear on how we’re going into the season, and that’s racing each other and trying to hopefully fight for wins. It’s all very clear. We’ve discussed a lot from last season and how we managed the back end of last year. And I think this year, starting from zero again, we’re both going to be trying our best to win.

Q: (Margot Laffite – Canal+) A question for Max. Ten years ago, you were starting your first race for Toro Rosso. This year, it’s Isack Hadjar who’s playing the same part. What’s your feeling about this new French driver? And more broadly, what do you think about the young Red Bull talents coming into Formula One?

MV: Yeah, it’s a long time ago now. No, it’s great to see. I mean, in general, it’s nice that there are so many— I’m allowed to say rookies, right? I guess that’s still up for debate—but young drivers getting into Formula One. And of course, I’m hoping they stay for a long time. The excitement, also the unknown at the same time, is good. It’s fun to see from my side as well. From the Red Bull pool, seeing young drivers finally getting these opportunities is great. I’m excited to see how they will perform throughout the year and in the coming years.

Q: (David Croft – Sky Sports F1) Oscar, at McLaren, we have a 24-race series where an Australian goes up against an Englishman for the battle at McLaren. Then in November, the Australian and English men’s cricket teams play out The Ashes. In which of those two series does the Australian have the better chance?

OP: Yeah, I’d like to think both of them! To get in early, the Ashes aren’t even going to be a contest, Crofty. I was going to say same result as last time, but the trophy is staying in the same place. For the season, obviously, I’m confident in what I can do as a driver. Last year, I proved to myself over a decent portion of the year what I’m capable of, and I really took confidence from especially the wins and some of the better races. Now, it’s just about trying to do that every race weekend—that’s the goal. With Lando, it’s obvious that he’s incredibly talented, and it’s never going to be easy going up against him. But yeah, I’m confident in my own ability to try and prevail this year.

Q: (Ian Parkes – Racing News 365) Max, given the issues that your car had last year, the RB20, how concerned are you that those issues seem to have carried over into this season? And do you feel the team has enough time to get on top of them, bearing in mind how quickly focus has to shift onto the 2026 car?

MV: Yeah, I mean, we’ll do our best to make it as competitive as possible. Of course, it’s the final year of these regulations, so I guess up to a certain point—and I don’t know where that is—you focus on this year, and then at some point, you focus on a whole different thing. We’ll make it more drivable, but Bahrain is very different to what we have here, so it’s a bit difficult to say if things have been fully fixed or not. I guess we just have to be patient and see how much we can regain.

Q: (Oliver van Bronswijk – The Roar) A question for Jack and for Oscar. Australian drivers have a lot of pressure placed on them, more so than drivers at other home races. Jack, how are you dealing with the pressure your first time out? And Oscar, what is one piece of advice you could give Jack to help?

JD: I don’t necessarily agree, to be honest, that we have more pressure than other home races – especially there’s two of us, you know. Max is the only Dutch driver and there’s a lot of raging fans in Zandvoort, to say the least. But no, I think the off season was good. Started work early with the team and you know, I know I’m mentally fit, physically fit. Done the ground work. So for me, you know the nerves shouldn’t really be an issue and knowing that I’ve done everything that I can to put my best foot forward, then the rest, you don’t think about that. That will come as it will be and I’m just looking forward to actually driving, like I said.

OP: Yeah, I think the advice would be just to enjoy it mainly. You only get to make your home race debut once. And you know, it’s a busy week. A busy weekend. It’s busier than everywhere else and I think you know, for me, as much as you try to say it’s another weekend, it’s not. It’s a bit different. So I think just mainly enjoying it. For me, it hit pretty hard the first time here, especially growing up 15 minutes down the road, that was pretty special. But I think the advice is just to enjoy it, the first time round, every time round. But yeah, just soak it all in and you know, remember that you only get to do it once and it’s pretty special to be able to race home.

Q: (Adam Cooper – Adam Cooper F1) For Max and Oscar, Stefano Domenico has been confirmed for another five years in charge of Formula 1. What do you think of the job he’s done over the years and is he a guy who’s easy for the drivers to talk to and actually listens to you?

MV: Yeah, I mean it’s great for Formula 1. He’s first of all a great person as well. I got along very well with Stefano as well, so I’m very happy that you know he’s staying around for a longer period of time.

OP: Yeah, very much the same. I think what he’s been able to help with the sport has been very appreciated. You know, his door is always open to us as drivers. And again very easy to talk to very receptive of our ideas and concerns if we have any. So yeah, very happy that he’s sticking around for a long time.

Q: (Luke Smith – The Athletic) A question for Max. Oscar mentioned some of the clever editing we sometimes see on Drive to Survive. I think you’ve watched the Miami episode and then there was a clip of you in Zandvoort looking quite sad to add a bit of drama to it. Does it bother you when you see that kind of thing and like, how drive survivors may? Playing with the truth a little bit at times?

MV: I’m not surprised, so… I didn’t watch it. It’s just unfortunate you see these things pop up on X, but you just need to quickly ignore it so it doesn’t come up again in your feed. No, not blocked, because they see that. If you ignore it, then no one knows.

Q: (Ben Waterworth – The Roar) Question for Max. It was mentioned earlier it’s 10th anniversary of your debut in the sport. A lot has happened. What’s the one piece of advice you’d like to go back and tell debutant Max that you think might help you today?

MV: No, nothing to be honest. It’s important to make your mistakes and of course feel that excitement at the time, because if I would have told him at the time what he would achieve in the sport then it’s pretty boring to know what’s ahead, right? You need to have that uncertainty. You need to feel the pressure of having to perform at the time, trying to work your way into a top team. All these kind of things. So, no, nothing.

Q: (Samarth Kanal – The Race) Max, are you praying for rain on Sunday? And do you think that’s your best chance of overhauling the McLaren’s here?

MV: No, I mean actually I was like it to be dry because it’s just nicer. Also, for the fans. But if it’s wet, it’s wet. It’s fine as well, but I don’t know how we will perform in in the dry or the wet at the moment, you know, so it’s a bit a bit difficult to say.

Q: (Damien McCartney – Nine’s Wild World of Sports) Question for Jack. The elephant In the room. There’s been plenty of reporting about Franco’s arrival at the team as reserve driver, and how you may only have a very short F1 career before you’re hopefully not replaced from an Australian point of view. But I just like to get your thoughts on do you feel that extra pressure? Has that been communicated to you? How do you feel about that for what could hopefully not be your only home Grand Prix?

JD: Great question. To be honest, kind of similar as Max said before, I haven’t been thinking about any of that because as you all know, there’s no point thinking about rumours or commenting on them. But you know, I have a contract for at least this year, if not more. So, I look forward to many home Grands Prix. And the uncertainties? You don’t bother worrying about them. I think I have to perform each and every time I’m in the car. I have one guy chasing my seat, but we actually have four now, if you didn’t realise, we have four reserves, you have all four of them, not just Franco, probably wants my seat and if not, Pierre’s as well. And I wanted their seats while I was reserve driver the last two years. So you know I’m going to enjoy, to be honest, every race as if it’s my last, because I want to enjoy each and every moment I’m in the car. But. Yeah, to be honest, not much more to add on that.

Q: (LA Wilshaw – Top Speed) Max, I would like to ask you about your parenthood this year. You’re about to be a father. Would you like to see your child following your footsteps as you did your own dad? Or would you like your child to take a completely different career?

MV: I would like my child to choose themselves. Yeah, it doesn’t matter. Mean, of course. If he or she wants it, then you will always do you’re very best as a parent, you know to provide everything they need or advice. But I’m also very happy if they, you know, would choose something else, to be honest.

Q: (Ethan Cardinal – Drive.com) Evening cardinal. From job com. Max and. How much of a race is team strategy and planning versus driver, driver IQ and instinct to kind of perform out there?

OP: I think it’s a combination of all of those things. You know, in in some races the strategy is more important than others. I think always, you know, being intelligent with how you drive and ultimately being fast usually makes the strategy a bit more. If you can do that. But you know, that’s why we have a team of hundreds of people back at the factory. Obviously they’re not all doing strategy and stuff like that, but it’s why you have those teams to give you every chance of success out on track so. A combination of all the things you know, obviously as a driver in the seat, you’re probably the best person to read the situation from the car in terms of you know what the tyres are doing, what the car’s doing. But the strategy team will see a lot more of the race picture and what’s going on around you so a bit of column A and a bit of column B.

MV: Brilliant. So. nothing to add.

OP: If you pay. A fee I can do all your answers.

MV: Yeah, I mean that would actually… You want to sign a contract? You’re good at it. Can just make a little side letter.

Q: (Michael Lamonato – Fox Sports Australia) question to Oscar. First part I guess, is how pleased you to see Australia continue to drive representation on the grid and having come up through a similar path as Jack, how much do you think he deserves his seat in Formula 1? What can he contribute to the sport?

OP: Yep. I mean, it’s always nice to have a fellow Aussie on the grid and you know, I think Jack very much deserves it. Think he had a lot of success in his junior career. I know the challenges he’s probably had in the last year of sitting on the sidelines. So, you know, I know it’s never an easy thing to come back into a race seat again when you’ve spent so much time out of a seat. You know, I think having time to get back into the swing of things and you’re not just jumping in back in any race car, you’re jumping in an F1 car, so I think time is going to be an important thing and trying to learn. But yeah, it’s always great to have another Aussie and I think Jack has proved through his junior career that he deserves a chance. Yeah. It’s nice to see him here.

Q: (Emily Selleck – Motorsport com) Jack. I’m curious if your final week of preparation for the season was thrown into a bit of chaos given the cyclone in your home town?

JD: No it. It was quite OK. It was nice. I had three days back on the Gold Coast. And to be honest, with no actual, like… When you’re forced to stay inside, it’s almost nice, just not doing anything. Three days switching off and we were very fortunate to be safe and have no issues and I could fly down here early Tuesday morning and the weather, to be honest, doesn’t look like it’s much better right now, hopefully it gets sunnier for Friday and Saturday so we can at least experience some warm weather that we’re supposed to offer here in Australia.

Q: (Julian Linden – National Sports Newsroom) A question for Oscar. Third time here, Oscar, what can you learn from your two previous races here that you think can help you this time?

OP: I mean, I think just the experience from both of them. I think the first time round watching the carnage unfold was a pretty good strategy that year, but last year, I think it was a pretty solid race. Some things to work on, but I think it’s the same with every race. There’s going to be parts from every single race I’ve done that you can transfer into your next race. Doesn’t have to just be from Melbourne, but I think, you know, looking back at qualifying last year, the race last year, you pick up on some of the specifics and ultimately we’ve got to see what our competitiveness is like. We obviously hope it’s good, but that is going to dictate a lot of the weekend and what you’re fighting for. But I think yeah, being here for the third time now, obviously you know the track a lot better. You know some of the things to look out for in terms of the strategy, how to drive the car in the race. One thing you can never count out is Melbourne weather, though, so whether that’s going to be relevant at all, we’ll see. But. Yeah, I think you always gain experience from every race that you can just transfer into the next. So, nothing too crazy, but yeah, definitely in better stead than I was the first time I came here two years.