2015 Australian Grand Prix

Entrants

Kevin Magnussen replaces Fernando Alonso at McLaren after Alonso’s testing concussion ruled him out of Melbourne. Alonso is expected to return for the second round in Malaysia.

Toro Rosso field two new drivers: Carlos Sainz Jr., the 2014 Formula Renault 3.5 champion, and Max Verstappen, who finished third in the 2014 FIA Formula 3 European Championship. Verstappen makes his début at 17 years and 166 days — the youngest driver in Formula One history. Also making their debuts are Felipe Nasr for Sauber, who replaces Esteban Gutiérrez, and Will Stevens, on his first full-season start for Manor Marussia alongside Roberto Merhi on a one-race deal.

Sauber’s preparations are disrupted by legal action from Dutch driver Giedo van der Garde, who obtains a court order from the Supreme Court of Victoria compelling the team to allow him to drive. After days of legal proceedings, van der Garde agrees not to race in Melbourne; the team subsequently settles the dispute for an undisclosed sum. Due to the legal uncertainty, neither Sauber car takes part in Friday’s first practice session.

Manor Marussia arrive in Melbourne with a car that has passed its mandatory crash tests but has completed no pre-season testing. After assembling the cars, the team discovers their computers have been wiped of all data in preparation for a planned asset auction. They are unable to participate in any practice sessions or qualify for the race.

Tyres

Pirelli supplies the medium compound as the prime tyre and the soft compound as the option.

Practice

Mercedes confirm their pre-season dominance, topping the time sheets by a considerable margin across all three sessions. With Manor Marussia absent and the Saubers not running in the morning, only 16 cars take to the track on Friday. Nico Rosberg is fastest in both Friday sessions, with Sebastian Vettel third on Friday afternoon — seven-tenths of a second down on Rosberg. Toro Rosso outpace their Red Bull sister team in the first session, while Red Bull continue to struggle, with Daniel Ricciardo and Daniil Kvyat down in 15th and 18th in the third session and Ricciardo’s car stopping at the end of the pit lane with engine problems.

Lewis Hamilton goes faster than Rosberg in the third session on Saturday morning, while both Williams and Ferrari have strong sessions. Lotus get both cars into the top ten in the first session, raising hopes of a points finish. McLaren complete very few laps across Friday, with both cars limited by their new Honda power units.