The Formula One season begins in Melbourne on Sunday as Lando Norris bids to defend his world championship crown. Norris’ McLaren team boasted the grid’s quickest car for the past two years. However, team-mate Russell should have the beating of him over the course of a campaign. OSCAR PIASTRI (McLAREN)Led the championship for so long last season but struggled after the summer break and settled for third. Like team-mate Norris, the Australian, a seven-time race winner in 2025, will also struggle if McLaren are not competitive from the start of the year.

Source: Irish Examiner March 04, 2026 19:05 UTC