Randorris’ victory at the Australian Grand Prix, opening a season, not only set an attractive milestone for his F1 title bid in perfect fashion.
Norris’ stunning drive to beat Red Bull’s Max Verstappen in dangerous situations in Melbourne was a victory in his fifth career since his F1 debut in 2019.
Norris, who won the F1 2025 Curtain Razor, became the first McLaren driver to lead the world championships since Lewis Hamilton after the 2012 Canadian Grand Prix.
Briton, 25, was continuing to lead the driver’s rankings, finishing 1,029 days for Verstappen, or 63 races.
It is also the first time in his Formula One career that Norris has won consecutive races since his victory in the 2024 season finale in Abu Dhabi.
In doing so, he also became the first driver other than Verstappen to win consecutive Formula 1 races since Hamilton in 2021 (Brazil, Qatar, Saudi Arabia).
Norris admits he and McLaren are their favorites
Norris, who previously downplayed McLaren’s favorite tag from the preseason championship, admits he is a team following his compelling victory in Australia.
“Max was three tenths yesterday,” Norris said after Sunday’s race. “Last year, we were (but) far apart by the end of the season.
“We were over half a second behind Red Bull at the beginning of last year, but it became the fastest car.
“I know George made some comments earlier this weekend that they could focus on 2026. If that’s their mentality, that’s not great.
“I know there’s a lot to do in this year’s car. If you relax in this position, you’ll fail. In Formula 1, when you start thinking things are good and groovy, that’s when you get caught.”
Norris added: “I think we are our favorite because the team is doing a great job and the cars are flying, but we have a race that we struggle with.
“If we started the season in Bahrain, I don’t think we’d won, and (I wouldn’t hear) this question. Let’s make sure there are a few more races before we make any obvious statements.”