Lando Norris of McLaren clinched a stunning victory at a rain-soaked Australian Grand Prix on Sunday, holding off Red Bull’s defending champion Max Verstappen in a heart-pounding finish to the Formula One season opener.
The chaotic race at Melbourne’s Albert Park Circuit was marred by crashes and safety cars, with treacherous wet conditions testing the drivers’ skills and resilience. Only 14 of the 20 cars crossed the finish line.
George Russell of Mercedes secured third place, showcasing a strong performance despite the challenging weather. Norris, who started on pole position, demonstrated exceptional control and strategy, earning his first win in Melbourne and the fifth of his career.
Norris’s teammate, Australian rookie Oscar Piastri, began the race in second but slipped to ninth after skidding onto the grass, dashing hopes of a home podium finish.
“It was incredibly tough out there with the rain and Max pushing hard,” Norris said after the race. “I’m thrilled with the win and proud of the team.”
Seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton, making his debut for Ferrari, finished in tenth place. Hamilton expressed frustration over the car’s performance, describing it as “hard to drive” and criticizing the team’s late weather strategy.
Mercedes’ 18-year-old rookie Antonio Kimi Antonelli made headlines by finishing fourth, becoming the youngest F1 driver to score points on debut and the second youngest ever, behind Verstappen. Initially penalized for an unsafe pit release, stewards later reversed the decision, reinstating his impressive finish.
Williams celebrated a strong result with Alex Albon taking fifth place, while teammate Carlos Sainz suffered a crash in his debut for the team. Lance Stroll secured sixth for Aston Martin, and Nico Hulkenberg brought home points for Sauber in seventh.
The thrilling opener sets an exciting tone for the season ahead, with drivers and teams eager to make their mark in the races to come.
