The Strategist Makes Their First Pit Wall Predictions of 2025

Are you ready to put your predictive skills to the test once again? Formula 1 is back for 2025 – and so is our free-to-play game, Pit Wall Predictions, presented by Gulf.

Each week, you’ll have eight crucial calls to make, with five points awarded for each correct answer. It’s a game of strategy, insight, and maybe just a little bit of luck. But don’t worry, you’re not alone in this challenge.

Our Grove guru – known only as ‘The Strategist’ – is back for another season to offer their expert picks ahead of each race weekend. After a solid 2024 campaign that saw them rack up 420 points, The Strategist ultimately fell short of first place by some margin, finishing well behind the champion’s 485-point haul.

Now, with renewed focus and a top-secret game plan, they’re determined to start 2025 strong. Click here to make your picks, or read on to find out their predictions for Round 1 in Melbourne.

Lap 11-20. Alex stopped on lap 6 here last year, but with strategy shifts and new season variables, The Strategist sees him stretching it a little further this time.

Lap 11-20. A consistent trend from last season suggests Carlos could pit around the same time he did in 2024 (lap 16).

1. While last year’s Australian Grand Prix ran without a full Safety Car, history suggests there’s always potential for at least one intervention.

Carlos Sainz. It’s Race 1, so data is scarce, but The Strategist is going for Carlos.

31+ laps. Alex pushed 30 laps on the Hard tyre in Melbourne last year—expect him to go even longer this time.

31+ laps. With Carlos stretching his stints in 2024, The Strategist anticipates Carlos following suit this season.

Hard. Consistency is key, and with a proven strategy from last season, Alex is likely to end his race on the same compound.

Hard. A strategic match with Alex, following a pattern seen in past races.

That’s what The Strategist foresees, but do you agree? Submit your predictions before lights out and make the best possible start to your Pit Wall Predictions season!