Norris Outpaces Verstappen to Claim Victory in Rain-Soaked Australian F1 Opener
Lando Norris from McLaren claimed victory in a chaotic Australian Grand Prix on Sunday, successfully defending against reigning champion Max Verstappen in a thrilling finish to the opening race of the Formula One season, which was marked by...
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Lando Norris from McLaren claimed victory in a chaotic Australian Grand Prix on Sunday, successfully defending against reigning champion Max Verstappen in a thrilling finish to the opening race of the Formula One season, which was marked by crashes and safety cars.
Mercedes' George Russell secured third place on the slippery Albert Park circuit, where only 14 out of the 20 cars completed the race amid challenging conditions.
Norris, who was the pre-season favorite for the drivers' title, started the 2023 Formula One campaign just as he concluded the previous one in Abu Dhabi—by winning from pole position. This victory marked the end of Verstappen's lengthy stint at the top of the championship standings, which had been ongoing since May 2022.
Norris's teammate, Oscar Piastri, began the race in second place but ultimately finished ninth, with his ambition to become the first home driver to achieve victory or earn a podium position dashed after he skidded onto the grass.
Claiming his first win in Melbourne and the fifth of his career, Norris remarked on the challenge of having Verstappen closely behind him.
Lewis Hamilton's first race with Ferrari turned out to be disappointing, as he finished in 10th place—two spots behind his teammate Charles Leclerc. The seven-time world champion expressed that his car was "hard to drive" and noted that the team's weather decision late in the race was a misstep that proved costly.
Mercedes' rookie Antonio Kimi Antonelli, who is just 18 years old, finished fourth, making history as the youngest F1 racer to score points on debut and the second youngest ever, following Verstappen. Although initially dropped to fifth due to a five-second penalty for an unsafe pit release, the stewards later overturned that ruling.
Williams had a promising day with Alex Albon finishing fifth, although Carlos Sainz was forced to retire in his debut for the team. Lance Stroll finished sixth for Aston Martin, while Sauber celebrated as Nico Hulkenberg secured points in seventh place.
Sophie Wagner for TROIB News
Mercedes' George Russell secured third place on the slippery Albert Park circuit, where only 14 out of the 20 cars completed the race amid challenging conditions.
Norris, who was the pre-season favorite for the drivers' title, started the 2023 Formula One campaign just as he concluded the previous one in Abu Dhabi—by winning from pole position. This victory marked the end of Verstappen's lengthy stint at the top of the championship standings, which had been ongoing since May 2022.
Norris's teammate, Oscar Piastri, began the race in second place but ultimately finished ninth, with his ambition to become the first home driver to achieve victory or earn a podium position dashed after he skidded onto the grass.
Claiming his first win in Melbourne and the fifth of his career, Norris remarked on the challenge of having Verstappen closely behind him.
Lewis Hamilton's first race with Ferrari turned out to be disappointing, as he finished in 10th place—two spots behind his teammate Charles Leclerc. The seven-time world champion expressed that his car was "hard to drive" and noted that the team's weather decision late in the race was a misstep that proved costly.
Mercedes' rookie Antonio Kimi Antonelli, who is just 18 years old, finished fourth, making history as the youngest F1 racer to score points on debut and the second youngest ever, following Verstappen. Although initially dropped to fifth due to a five-second penalty for an unsafe pit release, the stewards later overturned that ruling.
Williams had a promising day with Alex Albon finishing fifth, although Carlos Sainz was forced to retire in his debut for the team. Lance Stroll finished sixth for Aston Martin, while Sauber celebrated as Nico Hulkenberg secured points in seventh place.
Sophie Wagner for TROIB News
