Lando Norris kicked off the 2025 Formula 1 season in spectacular fashion, fending off a late charge from Max Verstappen to win a dramatic Australian Grand Prix that was marred by crashes, rain, and multiple safety car interventions.
The McLaren driver, touted as a top contender for this year’s championship, showcased nerves of steel at Albert Park, crossing the line ahead of Verstappen in a tense final-lap showdown. Mercedes’ George Russell rounded out the podium, while only 14 cars managed to finish the chaotic race.
“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. This time we got it right and ended on top, so I’m happy.”
A Race of High Drama from the Start
The Australian GP got off to a rocky start when Racing Bulls debutant Isack Hadjar crashed on the formation lap, smashing into the barriers at Turn 2. The devastated Frenchman saw his race end before it even began, forcing an early delay.
Once the lights went out, Norris managed a clean getaway, but his teammate Oscar Piastri struggled for grip, allowing Verstappen to pounce into second place. The chaos continued as Australian rookie Jack Doohan suffered a first-lap crash, bringing out the first of several safety cars.
Things went from bad to worse for Williams’ Carlos Sainz, who spun out while under the safety car, leaving his team with an early retirement.
The turning point came on lap 16 when Verstappen locked up and went wide, allowing Piastri to reclaim second. With his McLaren teammate in sight, Piastri appeared poised for a charge but was told to hold position by the team as a rain shower threatened to shake up strategy.
Ferrari’s Struggles and Late-Race Mayhem
It was a frustrating debut for Lewis Hamilton at Ferrari, as the seven-time champion finished 10th, two places behind teammate Charles Leclerc. Meanwhile, Williams had a strong outing, with Alex Albon finishing fourth, though Mercedes’ rookie Andrea Kimi Antonelli was demoted to fifth after receiving a five-second penalty for an unsafe pit release.
As the rain returned, the treacherous conditions claimed more victims. Two-time champion Fernando Alonso crashed out on lap 34, bringing out another safety car. Soon after, Piastri skidded into the gravel before rejoining, but his hopes of a home podium were dashed.
Red Bull’s Liam Lawson and Sauber’s Gabriel Bortoleto were the next to crash, prompting yet another safety car period that gave Verstappen one final opportunity to attack Norris in the closing laps.
Despite Verstappen’s relentless pressure, Norris kept his cool and expertly navigated the damp track to take the chequered flag, securing the perfect start to his 2025 title bid.
With the season opener delivering fireworks, all eyes now turn to the next race in China, where the championship battle will resume in what promises to be another thrilling showdown.
