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Lando Norris kicked off the 2025 Formula 1 season with a sensational victory at the Australian Grand Prix, holding off reigning champion Max Verstappen in a chaotic race marked by unpredictable weather, multiple crashes, and three safety cars.
McLaren's Norris, who started from pole, delivered a commanding performance despite the treacherous conditions at Albert Park. The Briton held off a late charge from Verstappen, who briefly led after the rain intensified in the final laps, but ultimately secured his fifth career victory and his first in Melbourne. "It was amazing. Tough race, especially with Max behind me," Norris said. "I was pushing, especially in the last two laps. It was a little bit stressful, not going to lie."
George Russell claimed third place for Mercedes, while Ferrari endured a difficult day. Seven-time champion Lewis Hamilton, in his first race for Ferrari, finished 10th after the team made a critical strategic error, leaving both Hamilton and Charles Leclerc out on dry tires as the rain worsened. They were forced to pit later, dropping down the order.
The race started in dramatic fashion even before the lights went out. Rookie Isack Hadjar lost control of his Racing Bull on the formation lap, while fellow debutant Jack Doohan crashed his Alpine moments after the start, bringing out the first safety car. Carlos Sainz, making his Williams debut, also fell victim to the slippery conditions, crashing at the final corner and retiring from the race.
Norris and McLaren controlled the early stages, with his teammate Oscar Piastri running second. However, when a fresh downpour hit on lap 44, chaos ensued. Both McLaren drivers spun at the penultimate corner, but while Norris recovered quickly, Piastri was stranded on the grass, dropping to the back of the field. Verstappen momentarily took the lead but was forced to pit for intermediate tires as conditions worsened, allowing Norris to regain the top spot.
The race saw numerous retirements, including Fernando Alonso, Liam Lawson, and debutant Gabriel Bortoleto. Only 14 of the 20 cars finished the grueling 57-lap contest.
Despite late pressure from Verstappen, Norris held firm, becoming the first McLaren driver to lead the championship since Hamilton in 2012. With his victory, he sent a strong statement that he intends to fight for the title this season.
