Australian Grand Prix RECAP: Lando Norris holds off reigning champ in 'tough' win after Oscar Piastri spins off

That's a wrap on Wide World of Sports' LIVE coverage of the 2025 Australian Grand Prix.

Thanks for joining us.

Could this be the year for Lando Norris?

He managed to pose a tough challenge on Max Verstappen in the latter end of last season, but in Melbourne the Red Bull could not get over the line quite quick enough.

"It was amazing, tough race, especially with Max behind me," Norris said post-race.

"Especially the last two laps were a little bit stressful, I'm not going to lie but an amazing way to start the year.

"It was a tough one because we went off and we made some big mistakes, went through the gravel, a lot of damage, just tricky conditions... but these are the ones that are enjoyable and fun and unpredictable.

"We got it wrong a lot last year so I guess we learn from our mistakes."

George Russell could not hide his elation as he crossed in third in Melbourne.

"It was a great race to come home in P3," he said post-race.

"It was good fun, it was good fun. I was quite enjoying it to be honest because I was having the two guys ahead would make a mistake and I could slip through.

"A massive congratulations to Lando, in a race like that, it is probably your worst nightmare but he did a great job.

"Also really well done to Kimmy Antonelli to come back to P5 which is a really impressive first race but for us.

"That is what F1 is about and I hope everybody enjoyed it at home."

It was not the ending he was hoping for but Oscar Piastri has ended in ninth place at his home Grand Prix.

The final top 10 standings were:

1. Lando Norris

2. Max Verstappen

3. George Russell

4. Alex Albon

5. Kimi Antonelli

6. Lance Stroll

7. Niko Hulkenberg

8. Charles Leclerc

9. Oscar Piastri

10. Lewis Hamilton

What a race from Lando Norris! A brilliant finish by the McLaren.

Four-time world champion Max Verstappen truly tested Norris on the final lap as the pair went head-to-head on the final bend.

Norris managed to hold of the Red Bull to claim the world championship lead.

"Ooof, a bit of pressure," Norris said on his team's radio.

"Beautifully handled and executed to the second. One second later and we would've been done."

We're back racing at Albert Park with only a handful of laps remaining.

Piastri is down in 11th chasing the two Ferraris of Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc.

He needs to get back inside the top-10 to score points.

Disaster for McLaren and heartbreak for Australia!

Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri both ran off the track in the final complex of corners as heavy rain once again falls on Albert Park.

Coming out of turn 12, Norris went off first before Piastri followed him. Norris was able to wrestle the car back onto the road without spinning, but Piastri wasn't as lucky.

He spun into the soggy grass run-off area and spent a long time trying to get back onto the track.

He lost a lap, but a safety car has now been called for a crash for Liam Lawson and Gabriele Bortoleto.

Norris is still in the lead from Verstappen and Russell. Piastri is 13th.

Kick Sauber's Gabriel Bortoleto has been hit with a five second time penalty for an unsafe release.