After struggling with setup issues through Australian Grand Prix practice, Max Verstappen was surprised by his Red Bull car's performance on Saturday as the Formula 1 defending champion took third place in qualifying for the season-opening race.

In a heart-pounding season opener at Melbourne’s Albert Park, McLaren’s Lando Norris defied torrential rain and relentless pressure from Red Bull’s Max Verstappen to clinch a dramatic victory at the Australian Grand Prix.

Catch up on all the Friday action in Melbourne, Australia on Formula One’s opening grand prix weekend of the 2025 season

Charles Leclerc left new Ferrari teammate Lewis Hamilton trailing in his wake in free practice at the season-opening Australian Formula One Grand Prix on Friday as defending champion Max Verstappen struggled with the Red Bull car.

Lewis Hamilton’s relationship with his new Ferrari team was pressure tested in Australia, where he finished a disappointing 10th on debut, and was frustrated by a bad strategy that cost him a potential victory,