Australian Grand Prix: Lando Norris wins a chaotic first race with numerous retirements

What an incredible start to the season in Melbourne! This Australian Grand Prix promised an electrifying spectacle, with rain expected to play a role and six rookies on the grid. And it certainly delivered: even before the lights went out, a particularly unlucky Isack Hadjar spun at the second corner during the formation lap and crashed into the safety barrier. That was the end of the road for the Frenchman, who was in tears and comforted by Lewis Hamilton’s father. We wish him the best as he recovers from this tough mistake. Rain rarely forgives, unfortunately…

Once we recovered from the emotions, we witnessed a very clean start from poleman Lando Norris, ahead of his teammate Oscar Piastri and Max Verstappen. But the Dutchman wasted no time and immediately overtook the Australian in the first corner. No mercy, not even at home. That’s when the second (of many) crashes occurred: Jack Doohan violently hit the barriers at the exit of Turn 5, bringing out the safety car. Just seconds later, it was an experienced driver’s turn—Carlos Sainz spun at the final corner and had to retire as well. By the end of the first lap, we had already seen three retirements…

Rain, the real star of the Australian Grand Prix

After several laps behind the safety car, the race resumed with Max Verstappen eager to fight for the lead against Lando Norris. But soon, Oscar Piastri, regaining his composure, set the fastest lap and reclaimed his position ahead of the Dutchman, who made a braking mistake at Turn 11. The McLarens were impressive in their pace, even leaving the world champion’s Red Bull over 16 seconds behind. The safety car was deployed again after Fernando Alonso crashed into the barriers, forcing him to retire.

As the race restarted on lap 41, heavy rain returned to Albert Park. It was anticipated, but McLaren chose not to rush their drivers into the pits too early. The result? Both McLarens slid, with Oscar Piastri suffering the most, stuck in the grass for long seconds. A terrible disappointment for the Australian, who had the best pace on the grid and was dreaming of a home victory. He managed to free himself from the grass and rejoin the race. Lando Norris, on the other hand, played it safe and immediately pitted after his mistake.

Ferrari did Ferrari things (the bad way)

Ferrari, however, decided to keep both drivers on track for far too long, completely ruining their chances. And to make matters worse, Ferrari once again did Ferrari things, in the worst possible way. Both Charles Leclerc and the newly arrived Lewis Hamilton complained about excessive radio messages. Drivers need focus, not distractions. And certainly not a bizarre exchange like the one Leclerc experienced when he asked his engineer about a lot of liquid inside the car, wondering if there was a leak, only to be told it was probably… the rain. Ah.

Meanwhile, Bortoleto also lost control of his car and had to retire. What a nightmare debut race for the rookies in Australia, on this treacherously slippery track. Only young Bearman and Antonelli managed to cross the finish line among the newcomers. The Mercedes driver put in a solid performance and would have finished fourth if not for a five-second penalty for an “unsafe release”… before the stewards overturned the penalty.

And speaking of the race finale—what a show! Max Verstappen closed in dangerously on his friend Lando Norris, getting within a second in the final two laps. The Dutchman activated DRS wherever he could… but it wasn’t enough. The Brit managed to hold onto the lead and won the Australian Grand Prix, ahead of the Red Bull driver, with Russell, a surprising Alex Albon in fourth place, and Kimi Antonelli, who was initially penalized. It marks the first time in his career that Norris has won a season-opening race and leads the championship standings.

2025 Australian Grand Prix Standings