MELBOURNE — McLaren's Lando Norris swept to victory in a wet and wild Australian Grand Prix on Sunday, holding off defending champion Max Verstappen in a white-knuckle finish to a Formula One season-opener littered with crashes and safety cars.

Mercedes' George Russell was third on the slippery Albert Park circuit, where only 14 of the 20 cars finished in the treacherous conditions.

Norris, the preseason favorite for the drivers' title, started the Formula One season as he finished the last at Abu Dhabi, with victory from pole position.

The Briton's win ended Verstappen's long run at the top of the championship standings dating back to May 2022.

Norris's teammate Oscar Piastri started second on the grid, but finished ninth, his dreams of becoming the first home driver to claim victory — or at least a consolation podium finish — ending with a skid onto the grass.

Norris claimed his first win in Melbourne and the fifth of his career, saying it was difficult with Verstappen breathing down his neck.

"It was amazing. Tough race, especially with Max behind me," he added.