Lando Norris opened the 2025 Formula 1 season in spectacular fashion, clinching victory in a dramatic and chaotic Australian Grand Prix. The McLaren driver showcased his skill and resilience to hold off reigning champion Max Verstappen in the final laps, marking a stunning start to the new campaign and earning McLaren their first season-opening win in years.
Starting from pole in damp conditions, Norris initially controlled the race, setting the pace as the track gradually dried. But the unpredictable Melbourne weather threw a curveball midway through, as a sudden downpour sent both Norris and teammate Oscar Piastri sliding onto the grass. While Piastri became trapped and dropped down the order, Norris recovered and pitted, ceding the lead to Verstappen.
A second shower forced Verstappen, who had stayed out on slicks for as long as possible, to switch to intermediate tyres, enabling Norris to reclaim the top spot. The two rivals were then locked in a nail-biting duel during the final safety car restart, with Verstappen applying relentless pressure. Despite a tense closing stretch, Norris kept his composure and crossed the line just 0.895 seconds ahead of the Red Bull driver.
“It was amazing,” Norris said after stepping out of the car. “A tough race, especially with Max behind me. The last two laps were a little stressful, but it’s an incredible way to start the year. We made some mistakes in the wet, but we recovered, stayed strong, and finally got it right. I’m very happy.”
Learning from Past Mistakes
Reflecting on the high-stakes encounter, Norris credited McLaren’s efforts and his own growth in handling pressure. “We got it wrong a lot last year in these chaotic races,” he noted. “This time, we learned from our mistakes. Silverstone and Canada taught us valuable lessons, and today it all came together.”
Despite the challenges posed by Verstappen and teammate Piastri, Norris excelled under immense pressure. “It wasn’t easy,” he admitted. “Max was super quick, especially with DRS around here, which is like gaining a second. I had to focus and keep pushing while staying calm. My team gave me an amazing car, and I owe this win to them.”
The victory places Norris at the top of the drivers’ standings, marking the first time since 2022 that a driver other than Verstappen leads the championship. “It’s hugely motivating,” Norris added. “But this is just Round 1. We have 23 more to go. We need to keep our heads down and stay consistent.”
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Verstappen Takes P2 in Challenging Conditions
Meanwhile, Verstappen was relieved to secure second place in what he described as a "difficult but fun" race. The Dutchman had gained an early advantage by overtaking Piastri at the start, maintaining close proximity to Norris throughout. The race turned volatile when both McLarens slid off in the rain, allowing Verstappen to briefly assume the lead.
However, as conditions worsened, Verstappen also had to pit for intermediates, ultimately relinquishing P1 back to Norris. Despite closing in over the final laps, Melbourne’s tight layout and evolving conditions made overtaking a tall order. “Lando had a moment in Turn 6, and I got within DRS range, but overtaking here is so tough,” Verstappen explained. “Still, those last laps fighting for the win were fun. I’m happy to take the points and move forward.”
On his approach to the wet conditions, Verstappen acknowledged the gamble of staying out on slicks. “When they [the McLarens] went off, I thought we’d stay out and try to manage the slicks. Initially, it wasn’t too bad, but then the weather intensified, and we had to box. Even though it didn’t change the outcome, it was worth trying.”
Verstappen also assessed the RB21’s performance, recognizing the gap to McLaren. "It was a good result for us and an enjoyable but hectic race. The conditions were fairly difficult and slippery but we managed to keep it out of the wall and stay out of trouble, which was the most important thing, so I am happy with that. It was hard for us to pass the McLarens, and we were struggling with the tires overheating and tire degradation. I think this is even more evident on intermediates as the compound is even softer than the slicks. They were better at controlling the temperature of the tires and were pulling away from us quite easily, so it will help a lot if we work to keep our tires in a better window. However, we scored 18 more points than we did last time we were in Melbourne, so this is an improvement on last year and was fun in the end. We only have a few days before we are in China so not sure how much we will be able to find and turn around but will work hard to improve. Again, it is the first race of the season and we went for it and learnt a lot, so this is a positive start."
A Promising Start for McLaren
While Verstappen managed second, it was a tough day for Red Bull overall, as teammate Liam Lawson crashed out amidst the treacherous conditions. McLaren, however, had mixed fortunes. Piastri, who endured a difficult home race, expressed pride in the team’s performance and vowed to bounce back.
Norris’s win sets the tone for an exciting season ahead, with McLaren signaling their intent to challenge Red Bull’s dominance. The emotional victory in Melbourne not only gives Norris an early edge but also injects a fresh sense of competition into the 2025 championship.