Four-time world champion impressed by Red Bull’s rivals after Lando Norris took the chequered flag at F1 Australian Grand Prix

McLaren’s advantage over the rest of the grid this Formula One season could be even greater than Red Bull’s record-breaking 2023 season, according to Mercedes’ George Russell. The reigning constructors’ champions entered the season as the favorites and won the season-opening Australian Grand Prix with an impressive drive from Lando Norris.

Red Bull and Mercedes will hope that McLaren ’s advantage is indeed trimmed by the new technical directive. After fending off an initial charge from Max Verstappen in Melbourne, Norris quickly opened up a 15-second cushion. That served as an ominous warning to the competition for the rest of the season.