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 and teammate Oscar Piastri slid onto the grass in an eventful F1 race in Melbourne. Lewis Hamilton finished 10th in Ferrari debut.