Max Verstappen had been leading the world championship since the inception of the current ground effect era in 2022.

I don’t expect miracles, but I think it’s OK,” said Verstappen when asked about the RB21’s race pace after qualifying. “Not on the same level [as Norris and Piastri], but I’ll just do my best and see what happens tomorrow.

Lando Norris has said all winter that he has learned from his failed 2024 Formula 1 title bid and become a better driver, and he proved it by beating Max Verstappen to victory in Melbourne