Red Bull and Mercedes will hope that McLaren ’s advantage is indeed trimmed by the new technical directive. After fending off an initial charge from Max Verstappen in Melbourne, Norris quickly opened up a 15-second cushion. That served as an ominous warning to the competition for the rest of the season.

Lando Norris and teammate Oscar Piastri slid onto the grass in an eventful F1 race in Melbourne. Lewis Hamilton finished 10th in Ferrari debut.

Preseason favourite Lando Norris overcame Max Verstappen, changing weather, a trip across the grass and three safety car periods to win a frenzied Australian Grand Prix.