For large parts of the 2025 Australian Grand Prix —the parts that weren’t under a safety car because another rookie or Carlos Sainz or Fernando Alonso had crashed—the race was really rather wet. Soaked, even. “Stressful,” as Norris put it.

This time 12 months ago, the Australian Grand Prix was the sort of race that Lando Norris and McLaren may have lost

The Melbourne race had a thrilling start with Racing Bull’s Isack Hadjar out on the formation lap, and Alpine’s Jack Doohan and Williams’ Carlos Sainz crashing out on the opening lap.