McLaren’s Lando Norris crossed the line less than one second ahead of Red Bull’s Max Verstappen after a chaotic season opener at the Australian Grand Prix.
After Racing Bull’s Isack Hadjar crashed under the formation lap the race was delayed for several minutes. Lights out saw Norris protect his pole position down into turn one and hold the lead in the early stages of the race. However, Verstappen was able to jump McLaren’s Oscar Piastri after damp conditions saw the Australian struggle off the line.
After second place the local hero put the pressure back on Verstappen, who locked up on Lap 17 conceding the position to Piastri.
As the track dried Piastri closed up to teammate Norris but was told by the team to momentarily hold position. However, after the team deemed it safe for the pair to race a small mistake from Piastri him drop several seconds behind Norris.
Lap 34 saw a massive crash from Aston Martins' Fernando Alonso after he spun on the damp curbs of turn 6.
With the safety car deployed, the front running teams all pit to make the switch to slick tyres. However, only a few laps after the safety car ended a small shower of rain sent both McLarens off at the same corner in the final sector.
Norris who was able to successfully return to the track impulsively dived into the pits. However, after momentarily returning to the track, Piastri beached his McLaren in the grass. Eventually, Piastri was able to reverse out of the grass and get back to the pits but now down in 15th position.
Amidst the chaos Verstappen decided to stay out on slicks, only to pit one lap layer after the rain continued to increase. Both Ferraris also decided to stay out on hard tyres, however, they did not pit until a crash from Red Bull’s Liam Lawson brought out the safety car.
With only five laps left after the final safety car, Verstappen chased Norris to the flag to finish within touching distance of the Brit.
Both Ferraris fought hard to recover in the midpack until a charging Piastri jumped Hamilton on the last lap with a fantastic outside move. Leclerc ended the race in eighth position ahead of Piastri with Hamilton rounding out the top ten.
The Mercedes pair finished a solid third and fourth with an excellent debut drive from Rookie Kimi Antonelli.
Alex Albon came home with a fantastic fifth place for Williams followed by Lance Stroll and Nico Hulkenberg.
After a chaotic Grand Prix with some additional crashes from rookies Jack Doohan and Gabriel Bortoleto the Australian Grand Prix finished with a total of just 15 drivers.
Fans are hoping for another exciting Grand Prix when Formula 1 returns in just one week for the 2025 Chinese Grand Prix.
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