Australian Grand Prix: The Editors’Top/Flop list

This first round of the Formula 1 calendar is promising and makes us hope for exciting battles throughout the season.

The Best

The victory of Lando Norris and McLaren

Lando Norris, poleman and main contender for victory at the Australian Grand Prix, managed to remain solid despite an error and some panic on the 44th lap of the race. The British driver showed resilience to clinch his fifth career win, thus starting his season ideally. More broadly, it’s a victory for McLaren, standing out from other constructors and potentially having made a successful bet for the season. A result to be confirmed in China.

2- Kimi Antonelli, the best among the rookies

Isack Hadjar, Gabriel Bortoleto, and Jack Doohan encountered difficulties, but the Italian, Kimi Antonelli, was the only rookie to stand out this weekend. The Mercedes driver achieved the best comeback of the day, moving from 17th to 4th place. This remarkable performance will boost his confidence while highlighting the overall good result for Mercedes thanks to George Russell’s podium.

Read also: Mercedes obtains the cancellation of Kimi Antonelli’s penalty in Australia

3- Alex Albon and Williams in the top 5

After several seasons marked by disappointing performances, the British team finally seems to be getting back on track. In Melbourne, **Alex Albon demonstrated great determination**, delivering an impressive performance that exceeded expectations. Not only did he hold his ground against experienced drivers, but he also managed to position himself ahead of strong competitors, particularly after **the trap set for Carlos Sainz at the end of the first lap**. He finished in a very impressive 5th place, notably ahead of both Ferraris. This result confirms that Williams is gradually regaining its level, with the Thai driver as a key leader in this resurgence.

The Flops

A day to forget for Isack Hadjar

After two promising first days under dry conditions, Isack Hadjar did not show the same face on Sunday. Stressed by his F1 debut and panicked with the arrival of rain, the French rookie, 11th on the grid, could not overcome this pressure. Worse still, he didn’t even manage to start his first race as he crashed his Racing Bulls during the formation lap at low speed. Returning to the paddock in tears under his helmet, Isack Hadjar experienced a true nightmare in Australia.

2- No Australian winner at home

It won’t be in 2025 that an Australian will dethrone Mark Webber, the last driver to have triumphed at his home race, in 2013. For his first season as a full-time driver, Jack Doohan quickly lost control of his Alpine, a few corners after the start, due to the wet conditions. The Australian was under intense pressure from Flavio Briatore, even before his season began with the French team.

On the other side of the Aussie fence, Oscar Piastri’s race was compromised by an error on his part. He found himself trapped on a waterlogged grass and had to reverse maneuver to get back on track. This mistake allowed Max Verstappen and several other drivers to overtake him, while his McLaren teammate pulled away in the lead. Although he managed to recover a few positions and finish in the points, they seemed insignificant for a driver who seemed to have victory within reach.

3- The Failed Strategy of Ferrari

The fourth starting line for Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton on Saturday had already hinted at a difficult day for Ferrari. Sunday, the situation did not improve. The Monegasque driver held the 5th place for a long time, while Lewis Hamilton was stuck behind Alex Albon in 8th position. When the rain returned, Ferrari made a regrettable choice by staying on the track. This poor gamble severely penalized both drivers, leaving Charles Leclerc only 8th and Lewis Hamilton 10th at the finish. A start to the season well below expectations for the Italian team.