Lando Norris secured a thrilling victory in a rain-soaked and crash-filled Australian Grand Prix, holding off reigning champion Max Verstappen in a dramatic season opener.
The McLaren driver, starting from pole, mastered the treacherous Albert Park circuit to claim his first win in Melbourne and the fifth of his career.
The race saw multiple crashes, safety car interventions, and strategic gambles, with only 14 of 20 cars finishing.
Verstappen, hindered by tire strategy, settled for second, while Mercedes’ George Russell took third. Local hero Oscar Piastri finished ninth after a late-race skid, while Ferrari’s Lewis Hamilton managed only 10th in his debut for the team.
Williams’ Alex Albon impressed with fourth, benefiting from a penalty to rookie Andrea Kimi Antonelli. The chaotic race, marked by high-profile retirements including Fernando Alonso and Carlos Sainz, set the stage for an intense battle as the season moves to China.
