Lando Norris started his 2025 Formula 1 title charge with class, defeating Max Verstappen for victory in a rain-drenched, crash-strewn and chaotic Australian Grand Prix that ended under strange circumstances.
Norris started from pole and controlled much of the race on a slippery Albert Park, helping lead the McLaren charge along with teammate Oscar Piastri. But deteriorating conditions over the last 15 laps upended the race. Both McLaren drivers dropped off in the complex final sector however, although Norris corrected himself and quickly made an intermediate pit stop, home favourite Piastri plunged into the grass and dropped to the rear of the pack, eventually crossing the line in ninth.
Norris pitted, and Verstappen—who had initially overtaken Piastri only to drop behind after an error—briefly cycled to the front. But two laps later the Red Bull made a stop for wet tyres, so Norris was able to take the upper hand again.
A late Safety Car brought the pack together, but despite constant pressure, Verstappen could not get close enough to find a way past Norris, who ended the Dutchman’s 63-race run at the summit of the Drivers’ Championship.
Lewis Hamilton struggled on his debut for Ferrari, finishing 10th after grappling with strategy during his first Scuderia running.
