Behind the Scenes at the 2025 Australian Grand Prix

It was an exciting day at the Australian Grand Prix, held at Albert Park, where the atmosphere buzzed with anticipation. The paddock was filled with photographers eager to capture the drivers in their portrait shots. However, two notable absentees were Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton. This marked a surprising moment in F1 history, as seasoned photographers noted it was the first time drivers missed this traditional start-of-season photo opportunity.

Typically, drivers are weighed in their suits and helmets in the FIA garage before stopping briefly for a photo. Yet, Ferrari announced they already had the images and made them available to the media, leading to the decision that their drivers wouldn’t participate. This left us with a series of eighteen shots, missing the two key figures, which was quite disappointing.

Lewis Hamilton arrived in style, donning a fashionable Giacomo suit without a shirt, much to the delight of the onlooking photographers. His two security personnel, not his usual team, managed to keep their distance, allowing for some fantastic shots of Hamilton before he switched to his red Ferrari gear to begin his day’s duties.

George Russell was also in good spirits, posing playfully for the cameras, despite arriving without his helmet. There was a sense of camaraderie among the drivers, though a few were late, while Kimi Antonelli notably arrived a remarkable twelve minutes early.

As a reminder, I create a photo book for every F1 race, including this Australian Grand Prix, which will be available on my website shortly.

Moving outside the paddock, I encountered a group of enthusiastic fans who had arrived as early as 3 AM to secure their places at the Melbourne Walk. Their excitement was palpable, but making it to the front of the walk proved challenging. These passionate fans were eager to see their favourite drivers up close.

During my time at the event, I also met some incredible people. For instance, a fan proudly displayed a tattoo he promised to get if Lewis Hamilton won a race last year, showcasing his dedication to the sport.

In another heartwarming moment, I distributed Leatherman multi-tools to all team principals and new drivers, a gesture that brought smiles to their faces. Thanks, Leatherman, for supporting this initiative!

Interestingly, I spotted Blake Friend, Daniel Ricciardo’s manager, in the paddock. When I inquired about Daniel’s presence at the track, he confirmed that we shouldn’t expect to see him this weekend. However, Ricciardo was in Melbourne for a pop-up shop featuring his Enchante merchandise, embracing a new chapter in his life as a fashion retailer.

Kimi Antonelli, who was buzzing with excitement for his first chance in a competitive car, was a highlight of the day. Capturing a photo of him on his scooter required a bit of effort, but his enthusiasm was evident as he prepared for the weekend ahead.

Later, I attended the Glamour on the Grid event, where I had a great conversation with Michael Masi. It was fascinating to see how he has navigated his career post-F1, facing both fan support and criticism.

While the weather was pleasant for the fans at the Melbourne Walk, only nine out of twenty drivers showed up—a disappointment for those who had queued since midnight. The shift in driver participation may change over the weekend, but the lack of presence left many fans wanting more.

In testing, we saw the introduction of the new Tag Heuer clock, replacing the Rolex clock at the end of the pit lane. This new addition is expected to be a staple at every race this season.

In an exciting development, I received a copy of a major German publication that featured a story about my work, which was fulfilling and a testament to the growing interest in the behind-the-scenes aspects of F1.

Franco Colapinto, the Alpine reserve driver, was also present, and I captured a humorous moment where he encouraged James Vowles to try mate, a herbal tea he enjoys. The reaction was priceless!

Press conferences were a highlight, especially with Carlos Sainz, Lewis Hamilton, and Kimi Antonelli sharing the stage. It was a clever pairing, reflecting the dynamics of their careers and the shifts within their teams.

Interestingly, unlike most F1 circuits where drivers have private facilities, here at Albert Park, they share toilets with the general public, creating some rather amusing situations for both drivers and fans alike.

As I wrap up this insightful day at the Australian Grand Prix, it’s clear that the passion for F1 runs deep, not just among the drivers but also the fans, teams, and everyone involved in this remarkable sport.

FAQ

• Why did Ferrari decline to participate in the portrait shots?
  Ferrari stated they already had the images available for media use, leading them to decide their drivers would not participate in the traditional photo opportunity.
• What is the significance of the Tag Heuer clock?
  The new clock at the end of the pit lane signifies a branding change from Rolex and is expected to be featured at every race this season.
• Who is Franco Colapinto?
  Franco Colapinto is a reserve driver for Alpine and was present at the Australian Grand Prix, known for his enthusiasm and interactions with fans and fellow drivers.
• What is the Melbourne Walk?
  The Melbourne Walk is an area where fans can gather to see and interact with their favourite drivers as they arrive at the track.