Norris claims dramatic victory in chaotic Australian GP opener

Dominika Jordan
Mar 16, 2025, 07:04 AM ET

Red Bull Racing/Red Bull Content Pool

Lando Norris showcased remarkable skill and resilience to clinch a hard-fought victory at the 2025 season-opening Australian Grand Prix, despite a race filled with mixed weather conditions, multiple crashes, and late-race chaos. Starting from pole, Norris led the early stages on a wet track, managing early pressure from McLaren teammate Oscar Piastri and Red Bull's Max Verstappen.

As the track dried, drivers switched to slick tires, but soon after, a downpour struck again. Both McLarens skidded off track, with Piastri losing significant time. Despite this setback, Norris managed to keep his car under control and re-enter the pit lane, while Piastri's delay allowed Verstappen to seize the lead briefly.

However, the weather continued to worsen, forcing Verstappen to pit, which allowed Norris to reclaim the lead. A subsequent Safety Car period was triggered by crashes involving Sauber debutant Gabriel Bortoleto and Red Bull's Liam Lawson.

In the final laps, Norris faced intense pressure from Verstappen but held on to secure victory. George Russell capitalized on the chaos to finish third for Mercedes, with his rookie teammate Kimi Antonelli and Williams' Alex Albon completing the top five.

Antonelli had initially been penalized for an unsafe release but was reinstated to fourth post-race. Aston Martin's Lance Stroll finished sixth, followed by Sauber's Nico Hulkenberg, Ferrari's Charles Leclerc, and the recovering Piastri.

Lewis Hamilton briefly led during the race but had to pit, finishing 10th, just ahead of Alpine's Pierre Gasly and Racing Bulls' Yuki Tsunoda. Haas drivers Esteban Ocon and Ollie Bearman struggled with tire strategy, ending 13th and 14th respectively.

Several drivers did not finish the race, including Lawson, Bortoleto, Aston Martin's Fernando Alonso, Williams' Carlos Sainz, and Alpine rookie Jack Doohan. Racing Bulls newcomer Isack Hadjar didn't make it to the start, crashing on the formation lap and facing a heart-wrenching debut.

The season opener in Melbourne proved to be an intense and unpredictable start to the 2025 Formula 1 season, setting the stage for what promises to be a thrilling year of racing.