FORECAST OF REIGN

All-weather Lando claims Oz win

- BY DANIEL MOXON

LANDO NORRIS declared McLaren are the team to beat as he began his bid for a maiden title with victory in a thrilling Australian Grand Prix.

More than 15 millimetres of rain fell before the chequered flag in Melbourne but the Brit dazzled in the deluge.

He held off a late challenge from Max Verstappen to draw first blood in another white-knuckle battle with the Dutchman.

Norris, 25, said: "To start the season with a win is good but it's great to do it in such a stressful race, where it's so easy to make a mistake.

"The last few laps were a little bit stressful but what an amazing way to start the year.