Lando Norris Leads F1 Title Race as McLaren Proves Its Growth

TDT | Manama

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Lando Norris and McLaren showed they had learned from past mistakes as the British driver claimed victory at the Australian Grand Prix, taking the Formula One drivers’ championship lead for the first time and ending Max Verstappen’s long reign at the top.

Norris navigated tricky conditions, multiple safety cars, and a wet track to secure the season-opening win, halting Red Bull’s dominance dating back to May 2022.

"We worked a lot over the winter to prepare for a race like this because it's where we threw away a lot of opportunities last season," Norris said. "This time, we got it right and ended up on top."

Last year, McLaren clinched the constructors' title for the first time since 1998, but Norris finished runner-up to Verstappen after missed opportunities in races like Canada and Silverstone due to strategic missteps.

Now, McLaren enters 2025 as the team to beat, but Norris remains cautious.

"I do think we're favourites because the car is flying, but we will have races where we struggle," he admitted.

Starting from pole in Melbourne, Norris executed a flawless race strategy, proving McLaren’s off-season improvements were paying off. However, with Red Bull still within striking distance, the battle for supremacy is only just beginning.