F1 Melbourne review: Who came out on top? All the action from the season opener and a first look at Mexico

What a curtain-raiser in Melbourne! I'm still buzzing! The moment the engines roared back to life at Albert Park, the new F1 season had us hooked. Cars flying through the park, fans soaking up the Australian sun, and the sheer speed nearly blowing your hat off – it's an absolute petrolhead's paradise! Here I am, sat in my usual pub in London, pint in hand, still struggling to come down from the spectacle. But don't worry, I've been glued to it all, analysing every move. Because one thing's for sure: this year, it's going to be one breathtaking Grand Prix after another.

Melbourne: A season opener with serious bite

Qualifying was a nail-biter right from the off. The times were so close you'd think the FIA had secretly equalised all the engines. But no, it was pure, unadulterated grit! Max Verstappen snatched pole, but the Ferraris and, more notably, the McLarens were breathing down his neck. And then the race! From lights out to the chequered flag, it was a battle royale, just like the good old days. My phone was going non-stop – live ticker, social media, all buzzing with breaking news. I jotted down the key moments:

• The start: Verstappen holds the lead, but chaos nearly erupts behind. Leclerc and Norris touch in Turn 1 – thankfully, no major damage. The whole pit lane holds its breath!
• The pit stops: The strategists were run off their feet. An early safety car threw the entire order into disarray. Red Bull reacted in a flash; Mercedes dithered too long – a basic error you wouldn't expect from them these days. It turned the race completely on its head!
• The battle for the podium: In the second half of the race, Sergio Pérez and Lewis Hamilton served up a duel for the ages. Wheel-to-wheel, lap after lap – in the end, the Mexican had the edge, bagging second place behind his teammate. Absolute magic for any fan!
• The surprise: A young Australian in an Alpine, driving with no fear, snuck into the points. The crowd went berserk; hats off to him! These are the moments we all live for.
• The retirement: Carlos Sainz had to pull his Ferrari over with a technical fault – a real kick in the teeth for him and the Tifosi. You could feel the disappointment all the way over here.

In the end, it was a fairly straightforward win for Verstappen, but the fight Pérez put up showed one thing: the pressure is well and truly on inside Red Bull. And that's exactly what makes this season's F1 races so unpredictable. You never know who'll end up on top.

What the locals are saying: A nod to home

Of course, we're all keeping a close eye on the Red Bull boys. But this time, there was more to it. Red Bull Racing's performance was outstanding, but we've also got our eye on the up-and-comers. A certain Kiwi with Austrian roots in the junior team really turned heads during practice. Maybe we'll see him in a cockpit soon? A man can dream. And the motor sport club down at Silverstone has already announced more big-screen events – I can't wait! The stands will be packed when those engines fire up again.

Looking ahead: The Mexican Grand Prix and the magic of the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez

Now the Australian Grand Prix is done and dusted, everyone's eyes are on the next big one: the Mexican Grand Prix. The track, the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez, is a whole different beast. Up high in the thin air of Mexico City, engines have to perform at their peak, while the slow-speed stadium section demands perfect downforce. A proper engineering headache! And then there's the atmosphere: the Mexican fans are absolutely insane, they live and breathe the sport. For Sergio Pérez, it's a home game, of course – I'm curious to see if he can use that to his advantage. Word on the street is he might get a special engine upgrade just for this race. If that's true, we could be in for a massive shock.

For those wanting to get in the mood early, there are loads of cool bits of memorabilia out there. From detailed circuit posters to stylish textile prints of the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez with a retro vibe. Absolute classics that'll get any fan's heart racing. Whether you fancy a black frame or a wooden one, there's something for every wall. I've already ordered one with the track layout – it looks the business in the living room!

I honestly can't wait for the F1 action to resume in Mexico. Until then: hold your breath, have the popcorn at the ready, and keep up with the analysis. Because one thing's for sure – boredom is not on the cards this season! And don't forget: if you're staying in town, you're welcome to join me at my local to cheer them on – I won't be letting go of the remote!