Lando Norris has revealed he sustained some damage aboard his McLaren F1 car as he sensationally won the wild Australian Grand Prix, holding off a last lap challenge from Max Verstappen.
Norris, who now leads the drivers’ championship for the first time in his career, fended off Verstappen’s late charge to win by less than a second.
It is the first time he has won the season-opener, and cemented his status as title favourite with a fifth career victory in the all-time classic race.
Norris, who defended against team-mate Oscar Piastri during the mid-part of the race before surviving the sudden shower that pitched Piastri off, spoke of the struggle.
“It was a tough race, especially with Max behind me, I was pushing, it was a little bit stressful, I am not going to lie,” Norris said.
“We went off, made some big mistakes, I went through the gravel and caused a lot of damage, but these are the ones that are enjoyable and unpredictable, but this time we got it right and ended on top.
“Max was quick, but I had good pace but I made one mistake at Turn 6 and he got within DRS and that allowed him to stay within one second, and he had a couple of looks and I had to check my mirrors more often that I would have liked, but I stayed calm and kept it together, and listened to [engineer] Will [Joseph].
“It’s been an amazing weekend, and it is not easy to put a weekend like this together, especially with pressure from Max and Oscar, because they’re hungry and competitve and want it just as badly, but I know what I am capable of.
“It is still only race one of 24, but dealing with the pressure, dealing with Max and Oscar, I couldn’t relax inside, but not to make a mistake that cost me anything should give me some credit, but thanks to McLaren, because they’ve given me an amazing car.”
