BREAKING: Norris slips up as FIA penalty verdict changes Australian Grand Prix result… Read more
Norris slips up as FIA penalty verdict changes Australian Grand Prix result
Norris’ Victory in Australia Ends Verstappen’s Historic Streak as FIA Alters Race Result
Lando Norris claimed victory on the track at the season-opening Australian Grand Prix, finishing ahead of Max Verstappen. However, a major decision from the FIA has resulted in a significant change to the race outcome, altering the final standings.
Norris’ triumph in Melbourne not only secured his fifth career victory but also propelled him to the top of the championship standings for the first time. This marks the first time since 2022 that a driver other than Verstappen has led the title race, breaking the Dutchman’s record-breaking 1,029-day reign at the top.
The race saw unpredictable conditions with rain and strategy shifts playing a decisive role. McLaren appeared to have the fastest car on the grid, with Norris and teammate Oscar Piastri leading much of the race. Although Verstappen made a late charge, he ultimately finished more than 16 seconds behind the McLaren duo before the FIA’s post-race decision reshuffled the classification.
Verstappen’s dominance over the last three seasons has been unprecedented. Since overtaking Charles Leclerc in the championship standings back in May 2022, he remained in the lead for an astonishing 1,029 days, claiming three consecutive world titles in the process. His streak is now the longest in F1 history by over 100 days, surpassing Michael Schumacher’s best runs.
Schumacher, a seven-time world champion, previously held the longest streaks at the top of the standings, leading for 896 days between 2000 and 2003. He later had another dominant period lasting 630 days from the 2003 Canadian Grand Prix until the 2005 Australian Grand Prix.
While Verstappen remains a strong contender, McLaren’s impressive start to the season suggests that Norris could mount a serious title challenge in 2025. The 25-year-old Brit is already 23 points ahead of his teammate Piastri, giving him early momentum in the championship fight.
Norris himself remains cautious about McLaren’s position, dismissing claims that the team is now the clear favorite. He insists that it is too early to make such predictions and warns against underestimating Red Bull and Verstappen, who have been the dominant force in F1 over the past few years.
With the season just beginning, all eyes will be on whether Norris can maintain his lead or if Verstappen will reclaim his position at the top. The FIA’s latest decision has already shaken up the championship landscape, and if the opening race is any indication, the 2025 season could be one of the most unpredictable in recent years.
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