FAST START NOT KEY FOR LANDO

LANDO NORRIS says he will not panic even if he cannot begin his title defence with a win in Melbourne this weekend.

- BY DANIEL MOXON

Norris and McLaren are the defending drivers' and constructors' champions but it means little given the scale of the regulation changes for the new season.

The true balance of power remains unknown but many, including McLaren themselves, feel they are unlikely to start the campaign as the dominant force like they did 12 months ago. Norris, however, insists such a scenario would not mean his team are on the back foot, despite teammate Oscar Piastri's claim that predicting a McLaren win on Sunday would be "very optimistic".