Norris wins chaotic opening race as Hamilton suffers…read more
Lando Norris claimed victory in a dramatic and chaotic Australian Grand Prix, which saw six drivers crash out and Lewis Hamilton endure a disastrous Ferrari debut. The race, which was the opening round of the 2025 Formula 1 season, was marked by unpredictable conditions and plenty of drama on track.
Hamilton, 40, made a highly anticipated switch from Mercedes to Ferrari over the off-season, hoping to challenge for an eighth world championship. However, his debut for the Scuderia was far from smooth. The race started under a cloud of confusion as rookie Isack Hadjar crashed out during the formation lap, delaying the start. Hadjar was visibly upset, and it was Hamilton’s father who comforted the young driver in his moment of distress.
The chaos continued with fellow rookie Jack Doohan, who spun out on the very first lap, causing further disruption. Last year’s race winner, Carlos Sainz, also found himself in trouble, crashing under the safety car conditions, which added to Ferrari’s woes. These incidents set the stage for a highly unpredictable race.
Despite the early retirements and disruptions, Lando Norris emerged as the surprise victor after a thrilling battle at the front. Norris, who was under immense pressure from defending world champion Max Verstappen, kept his cool in difficult conditions to claim the chequered flag. Verstappen finished second, just behind Norris, after a relentless pursuit. Norris admitted that the last two laps were particularly intense, but he was able to hold on and take the win, expressing relief and joy at the result.
Norris credited McLaren for providing him with a fantastic car, saying that they had learned from their mistakes in the previous season and that the improvements had paid off. He also acknowledged the challenge of dealing with Verstappen’s pace, stating that it had been a stressful yet enjoyable race.
However, Ferrari’s strategy debacle meant that Hamilton’s debut was a letdown. He finished the race in 10th place, a far cry from the expectations surrounding his move to the Italian team. Reflecting on the race, Hamilton was candid about his disappointment. He felt he had driven a strong race, especially given the challenging conditions, but admitted he made mistakes that left him stuck in the lower positions. Despite the result, Hamilton took solace in the fact that he had shown good pace throughout the race, noting that there was potential for more had he not found himself in a difficult position.
The race’s chaotic nature highlighted the unpredictable and thrilling aspect of Formula 1, with Norris emerging as the surprise winner and Verstappen proving to be a tough competitor. Ferrari’s strategy mistakes, combined with Hamilton’s misfortune, ensured that the race would be remembered as one of the most dramatic season openers in recent memory.
