Lando Norris kicked off his 2025 Formula One campaign with a spectacular, crash-filled Australian Grand Prix victory. The season’s opening in Melbourne featured unexpected weather, many incidents, and a fierce struggle for the lead. Norris, who dominated qualifying, led most of the 58-lap race at Albert Park. However, as the rain returned in the last 15 laps, chaos began, forcing teams to make split-second decisions.
Defending champion Max Verstappen lost distance to the McLarens before temporarily taking the lead for Red Bull. However, as the rain fell harder, he switched to intermediate tyres, giving Norris the lead again. A late Safety Car made for a nervous finale, but the Briton kept Verstappen at bay, ending the Dutchman’s long reign at the top of the title standings.
Meanwhile, Mercedes rookie Kimi Antonelli excelled with a powerful comeback performance, eventually finishing fourth following a post-race penalty reversal. Alex Albon of Williams finished fifth, his best result since 2021.
Lewis Hamilton’s highly anticipated Ferrari debut ended in disappointment. Despite briefly overpowering due to a smart gamble, he fell to tenth place after Ferrari misread changing track conditions.
