Lando Norris seeking to break strange Australian GP curse

Lando Norris enters the upcoming F1 season looking to defend his title, which he narrowly won last year following a tense season-long battle.

The Briton commenced his championship-winning year with a victory at the Australian Grand Prix, crossing the line ahead of Max Verstappen and George Russell.

It was an impressive win as he navigated the tricky wet conditions en route to taking the lead of the drivers' standings for the first time in his career.

While it marked a great start to his campaign, the win put Norris next in line for an unusual streak associated with the Australian Grand Prix winner.

Across the last three trips to Albert Park, the driver who prevailed in the previous year's race failed to see the finish on their next outing at the venue.

The run started with Charles Leclerc, whose hot start to the 2022 campaign saw him take to the top step of the podium at the third round of the year.

But 12 months later in Melbourne, Leclerc was eliminated on the opening lap following a collision with Lance Stroll.

That race saw Max Verstappen come out on top as he embarked on a record-setting season. However, at the following race in Australia, the Dutchman was forced into an early retirement due to a mechanical issue.

His elimination helped Carlos Sainz come out on top for Ferrari, in what was his first of two race wins that season.

Last year when the season commenced at Albert Park, Sainz became one of the victims of the saturated track as he spun off behind the safety car and retired from the race.

Will Norris become the fourth successive driver to retire from the Australian Grand Prix one year after winning the race?

The question will be answered on Sunday, when the season kicks off in Melbourne!