Lando Norris dominates crash-filled Australian Grand Prix to clinch first win of F1 2025 season

McLaren’s Lando Norris claimed a stunning victory at the season-opening Australian Grand Prix, navigating through unpredictable weather and a series of dramatic incidents at the Albert Park Circuit. Norris’ win marked a strong start to the 2025 Formula 1 season, as he held off fierce competition from Red Bull’s Max Verstappen and Mercedes’ George Russell, who completed the podium places. The intense race, marked by rain and multiple crashes, set the tone for what promises to be an exciting F1 season.


Starting from pole position, Lando Norris executed a flawless start despite the tricky conditions. His teammate, Oscar Piastri, struggled off the line, allowing Verstappen to capitalize and move into second place at the first corner. However, chaos erupted almost immediately when Racing Bulls’ Isack Hadjar spun into the wall at Turn 1, leading to an early safety car intervention and a delay of over 10 minutes. Jack Doohan and Carlos Sainz soon followed Hadjar’s fate, each losing control on the slick surface and crashing out — leaving only 17 cars still in the race by the eighth lap.

Once the safety car returned to the pit lane, Norris maintained his composure at the front. On lap 17, Verstappen ran wide at Turn 11, opening the door for Piastri to reclaim second place. The McLaren duo looked poised to dominate, but the unpredictable weather ensured nothing was certain. Norris had to survive three separate race restarts and fluctuating rain intensity before finally securing the victory. "It was a tough race with so many things happening, but we stayed focused and got the job done," Norris said after the race.

Despite Norris’ success, Piastri’s race took a turn for the worse during the closing laps. A misjudged maneuver cost him valuable positions, eventually dropping him out of podium contention. Verstappen capitalized on the situation, recovering to secure second place and launching his latest championship defense with a solid result. "It’s always important to start the season with points, and I think we showed good pace today," Verstappen stated.
Mercedes' George Russell completed the podium after a steady drive, showcasing the team’s improved performance from the previous season. Andrea Kimi Antonelli, making his F1 debut for Mercedes, delivered an impressive recovery drive to finish fifth despite an early spin at Turn 4. Williams’ Alex Albon also put in a strong performance, finishing fourth and securing valuable points for the team.
Also Read: Fernando Alonso crashes out of Australian Grand Prix as chaotic wet race claims another victim
In total, only 14 of the 20 drivers made it to the checkered flag due to the treacherous conditions. The wet and slippery surface resulted in several high-profile retirements, setting the stage for a fiercely competitive season ahead. As the dust settles on a thrilling opener, McLaren’s victory sends a clear message — they are ready to challenge for the championship in 2025.