Formula 1 The thrill of rain in Melbourne!

Lando Norris Wins, Max Verstappen on the Podium

Changing weather conditions, crashes by debutants and a veteran drivers, joy and tears filled  the opening round of the 75th anniversary Formula 1 World Championship with exciting moments for motorsport fans.
The race, held in Melbourne, Australia, began on the drying roads of Albert Park after heavy rain. During the warm-up session, Ayzek Hecer ("Racing Bulls") retired, and in the first lap, Jack Doohan ("Alpine") and Carlos Sainz ("Williams") also stopped the race – Ayzek couldn’t control his tears as he left his car.

For a long time, Lando Norris, the driver of "McLaren," led the pack. Initially, he was followed by Max Verstappen ("Red Bull"), the champion of the last four years, and then by his teammate and local fan favorite, Oscar Piastri.
 After the crash of the most experienced driver in the championship, Fernando Alonso ("Aston Martin"), the Safety Car period was announced, and drivers rushed to the pits to switch to dry weather tires. After the battle resumed, rain started falling again, and the track was chaotic.

At first, Norris and Piastri made mistakes, and Verstappen took the lead. Later, under heavy rain, Max also went to the pits to change his tires again, and Lewis Hamilton ("Ferrari") took the lead. However, after all drivers had pitted, Lando regained the lead. At this point, Liam Lawson ("Red Bull") and later Gabriel Bortoleto ("Sauber") crashed.
 The Safety Car, led by Bernd Mayländer, came out again, regrouping the pack. After the restart, Lando had to fend off Max's attacks for the remaining laps. In the end, the British driver successfully handled it and started the season with a victory. The podium was completed by Max Verstappen and George Russell ("Mercedes").

In the first race of the season, which saw five debutants, Andrea Kimi Antonelli of "Mercedes" made no mistakes and, despite starting in 16th, crossed the finish line in 4th place. The next positions were taken by Alex Albon ("Williams"), Lance Stroll ("Aston Martin"), and Nico 

Hülkenberg ("Sauber"). Despite everyone showing strong results, "Ferrari" drivers Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton had weak performances and finished in the top ten.

Thus, Lando Norris starts the season with a hat-trick (pole position, victory, and fastest lap), and his "McLaren" team leads the Constructors' Championship. The championship will continue next weekend at the Shanghai International Circuit in China.

Let us remind you that the 17th round of the 24-race season, the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, will take place from September 19-21.