McLaren driver Lando Norris talks with Zak Brown, McLaren team chief, after winning the Australian Formula One Grand Prix at Albert Park in Melbourne. (AP)

Lando Norris of McLaren secured his first victory at Albert Park in a chaotic rain-affected Australian Grand Prix, narrowly staying ahead of Red Bull’s Max Verstappen following a late safety car deployment.
Lewis Hamilton‘s Ferrari debut proved disappointing, finishing in tenth place while expressing frustration over frequent pit team radio communications.
Norris, who started from pole position in Melbourne’s first wet race since 2010, faced early pressure from teammate Oscar Piastri. The Australian driver set multiple fastest laps before receiving team orders to maintain position.
Piastri’s race took a turn for the worse when he spun at the second-to-last corner on lap 44 as rain intensified. He managed to recover and finish ninth, earning two championship points.
Verstappen claimed second place, finishing 0.895 seconds behind Norris after starting third on the grid. The Red Bull driver capitalized on Piastri’s misfortune and the final safety car period. George Russell of Mercedes completed the podium in third place.
The race began dramatically with Racing Bull’s Isack Hadjar retiring during the formation lap. Alpine’s Jack Doohan and Williams’ Carlos Sainz, last year’s winner with Ferrari, crashed out on the opening lap.
Only 14 drivers completed the race. Aston Martin’s Fernando Alonso crashed at turn eight on lap 34, while Red Bull’s Liam Lawson and Sauber’s Gabriel Bortoleto collided with barriers in challenging wet conditions with ten laps remaining.
The treacherous conditions at Albert Park circuit contributed to multiple incidents throughout the race, significantly impacting the final standings.