McLaren’s Lando Norris defended against reigning champion Max Verstappen of Red Bull Racing to secure victory in a chaotic, season-opening Australian Grand Prix on Sunday in Melbourne.
Beginning from the pole position, Norris finished the race in 1:42.06.304 seconds, finishing only 0.895 seconds in front of Verstappen in a race influenced by rain and several crashes.
“It was incredible,” Norris remarked after achieving his fifth career victory. “A challenging competition, particularly with Max trailing me.” I was making a strong effort, particularly during the last two laps, which were somewhat intense, but it was a fantastic way to kick off the year.
Norris faced a tense situation when he and his teammate Oscar Piastri both slipped onto the grass, allowing Verstappen to take the lead after Norris made his pit stop.
“It was a difficult situation since we went off track, made significant errors, and ended up in the gravel, causing considerable damage,” remarked Norris from Britain. “The conditions were challenging, yet they are the ones that are enjoyable, fun, and unpredictable. This time, we got it right and emerged victorious, so I’m quite pleased.”
Mercedes drivers George Russell (8.481 seconds slower than Norris) and Italian youngster Andrea Kimi Antonelli (10.135 seconds) placed third and fourth, while Williams driver Alex Albon (12.773 seconds) completed the top five. Antonelli was first given a five-second penalty by the stewards for an unsafe release, but the penalty was reversed after Mercedes contested the ruling.
Seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton placed 10th in his debut with Ferrari.
“I’m thankful to have completed it; at least I earned one point,” Hamilton remarked. Generally, it wasn’t what I expected, but there was a lot to adjust to with all the switch settings and modifications that they (the team) were presenting to you (over the radio).
“At that point, only the remainder of the vehicle …” It was truly quite, quite difficult — honestly, really difficult today. I believe we can enhance that in the upcoming race, ideally, and position the car better. “I believe there’s significantly greater potential in the car than what we managed to uncover today.”
Hamilton amazed the Formula 1 community when he joined the legendary Italian team in February 2024, just before concluding his remarkable 12-year tenure with Mercedes.
