Verstappen’s teammate last year, Sergio Pérez, has been replaced by Liam Lawson this season, with the New Zealand driver set to make his full-time F1 debut in 2025. In the drizzly conditions in Bahrain, Lawson said he was fighting “a few teething gremlins” with his car as he sought to adjust to life alongside Verstappen.

McLaren's Norris beat defending champion Max Verstappen, driving for Red Bull, in a close finish with the Dutchman hot on the heels of the British driver looking to land his first F1 title. It puts Norris top of the leaderboard after one week, and is the first time in more than 1,000 days that Verstappen has not been at the top looking down.

Lando Norris' impressive Australian Grand Prix victory in Melbourne turned out to be special in more ways than one for the McLaren star. Norris produced a composed performance in challenging conditions at the 2025 Formula 1 season opener to convert Saturday's pole into a thoroughly deserved win.