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

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

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.