Rookie Isack Hadjar endured a heartbreaking start to his Formula 1 career at the Australian Grand Prix, crashing out before the race even began. As the drivers completed their formation lap in heavy rain at Melbourne, Hadjar lost control due to rear-wheel spin and crashed into the barriers, severely damaging his rear wing.
Unlike a front-wing replacement, a rear-wing failure meant instant retirement, leaving the young driver devastated. Overcome with emotion, Hadjar was seen in tears on the pit wall when Lewis Hamilton’s father, Anthony Hamilton, stepped in to console him in a touching moment.
Lando Norris wins Australian Grand Prix
After Isack Hadjar spun his Racing Bull car at Turn Two on the formation lap safety car was brought onto the track. After a 15-minute delay, the race finally got under way, only for another rookie, Australian Jack Doohan, to crash his Alpine on the straight between Turns Four and Six and bring out the safety car.
Despite the dramatic start, the season-opening race turned into an exciting showdown. Lando Norris showcased a brilliant performance, fending off Max Verstappen to claim victory and kickstart his 2025 championship campaign in style.
George Russell secured third for Mercedes. It was an encouraging day for Williams, with Alex Albon finishing fourth after Mercedes’ 18-year-old rookie Andrea Kimi Antonelli was demoted to fifth due to a five-second penalty for an unsafe release from the pit.
Norris’s teammate Oscar Piastri started second on the grid but finished ninth, his dreams of becoming the first home driver to claim victory or a consolation podium ending with a skid into the grass.
Lewis Hamilton finished 10th in his Ferrari debut, losing positions late in the race, while Charles Leclerc managed eighth. Meanwhile, Fernando Alonso crashed out, triggering one of three Safety Car periods, while Lance Stroll kept his Aston Martin on track to secure a solid sixth-place finish.
