Formula One drivers are lapping up Australia’s return to the opening slot of the F1 calendar.

For the first time since 2019, the Albert Park circuit in Melbourne is hosting the first race of the Formula One season, giving Aussie F1 fans the first taste of the 2025 teams and drivers.

Speaking to The Roar on Thursday in the Melbourne paddock, several drivers praised the return of the race to the opening slot, which had gone to Bahrain over the last four seasons.

“I love Melbourne,” McLaren driver Lando Norris said.

“I have nice memories from 2019 in my first season of Formula One, so I do enjoy it.

“I feel obviously here is probably a bit more of an atmosphere, just because there’s more people, it’s a street circuit and it’s a so much bigger place than Bahrain.

“I love the place. I love the circuit. The atmosphere. The fans. The Melbourne walks is iconic and by far the best of the whole season.

“I like it for many different reasons and it’s definitely a good place to start the season.”

George Russell of Mercedes AMG Petronas poses ahead of the Australian GP. (Photo by Clive Rose/Getty Images)

Mercedes driver George Russell said he believes Australia made more sense as an opening round as it allowed both teams and drivers longer to recover from the long travel distances from their European bases.

“It’s great starting in Melbourne because for all of the teams and the drivers, once you’ve had a race or two the work load increases substantially,” Russell told The Roar.

“You’ve already done a few races back and forth from Europe, whereas when (Australia) it’s the start of the season things are slightly more relaxed, there isn’t as much to review and analyse because you just haven’t done the run in.

“I think the teams and the drivers are happier to get out here a bit earlier…. it (the travel) takes a bit of a toll on the body so I think this is a good way to start the season.”

Since making its debut on the calendar in 1996, Albert Park has hosted the opening race 22 times, with many seeing the race as the traditional season opener.

Haas driver Esteban Ocon fondly remembers watching the race as a child when it held the opening slot almost every year.

“It’s historical,” he said.

“When I used to watch F1 when I was younger, it always used to be the first race.

“It’s been very different to being in Bahrain the last couple of years but good to be here. It’s a fantastic atmosphere and the city really turns into a racing environment.”

Aston Martin driver Fernando Alonso, who is entering his 22nd Australian Grand Prix this weekend, said it was “natural” to come to Melbourne as the first race of the season.

“The majority of my career has been like that (the opening round) and it feels good,” he said.

It’s nice weather, a lot of enthusiasm for the race in the city and the fans. I think it is one of the best places to start a season.”

The Australian Grand Prix has been confirmed on the Formula One calendar until 2035.