Lando Norris launched his 2025 Formula 1 title campaign with a thrilling victory at the Australian Grand Prix, holding off reigning world champion Max Verstappen in a tense rain-affected race at Albert Park.

The McLaren driver, who started from pole position, navigated treacherous conditions, survived a trip through the gravel at Turn 12, and withstood intense pressure from Verstappen during the final laps to secure the win by just 0.895 seconds.

“It was amazing,” Norris said after the race. “A tough race, especially with Max behind me. The last two laps were a little bit stressful, I’m not going to lie, but an amazing way to start the year.”

The race began under extremely wet conditions, with heavy rain forcing delays and claiming its first victim before the official start when rookie Isack Hadjar spun into the barriers during the formation lap. Following a 15-minute delay, the race got underway only to be quickly neutralized by the first of three safety cars when Jack Doohan crashed his Alpine at Turn 5.

McLaren initially appeared to have the race under control with Norris leading teammate Oscar Piastri, who had overtaken Verstappen after the Dutchman complained of tire degradation. Team orders briefly came into play as Piastri closed on his teammate, with McLaren initially instructing the Australian to hold position before changing their mind and allowing him to race.

However, the home favorite’s hopes were dashed when sudden rain returned, causing both McLaren drivers to slide off at Turn 12. While Norris managed to rejoin the track and maintain his lead after switching to intermediate tires, Piastri slid across the grass and rejoined at the back of the field.

This chaotic sequence briefly handed Verstappen the lead as he gambled on staying out on slick tires, but the intensifying rain forced him to pit for intermediates, dropping him behind Norris again.

A final safety car, deployed after crashes involving Liam Lawson and Gabriel Bortoleto, set up a dramatic five-lap sprint to the finish. Norris maintained his composure despite a wobble that allowed Verstappen to close within DRS range for the final three laps, but the narrow dry line prevented the Red Bull driver from finding a way past.

George Russell completed the podium for Mercedes ahead of teammate Andrea Kimi Antonelli, who impressed in his rookie season after a penalty for an unsafe release was overturned. Alex Albon secured fifth place for Williams, with Lance Stroll, Nico Hulkenberg, and Charles Leclerc rounding out the top eight.

Piastri recovered to ninth place after a spectacular overtake around Lewis Hamilton’s outside at the high-speed Turn 9, relegating the seven-time world champion to tenth place.

The victory marks a strong start to Norris’s championship ambitions as Formula 1 heads into the 2025 season with McLaren showing impressive pace against Verstappen’s typically dominant Red Bull team.

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