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McLaren has ominous pace, Lewis Hamilton has work to do: 5 takeaways from F1's season-opener

McLaren driver Lando Norris of Britain celebrates on the podium after winning the Australian Formula One Grand Prix at Albert Park, in Melbourne, Australia, Sunday, March 16, 2025. (AP Photo/Asanka Brendon Ratnayake)

ASSOCIATED PRESS

Lando Norris heads to the second round of the Formula 1 season in China with a lead over champion Max Verstappen after winning a thrilling race in Australia.

Ahead of Sunday's race in Shanghai, here are five takeaways from the season-opening Australian Grand Prix:

McLaren is the team to beat

Without the rain and the safety car, the Australian Grand Prix might not have been much of a contest.