please generate summary with 10 sentences from httpstheathleticcom437322120230402australian-gp-red-flags-verstappen

The Australian Grand Prix was marked by a series of red flags and crashes, with Max Verstappen emerging as the winner. Verstappen's Red Bull team had struggled in pre-season testing, leading many to write them off ahead of the first race of the season. However, Verstappen and his teammate Sergio Perez managed to finish first and second, with Lewis Hamilton coming in third. The race was marred by a number of crashes, including one involving McLaren's Lando Norris and another involving Aston Martin's Lance Stroll. The safety car was deployed multiple times, leading to a stop-start race. Verstappen's victory marks a significant moment for the Dutch driver, who has long been considered one of the most promising talents in Formula One. The win also puts Red Bull back in the hunt for the championship, after Mercedes dominated the sport for seven consecutive years. Despite the chaotic race, many fans were simply relieved that Formula One was back after a long hiatus caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. The next race is set to take place in Imola, Italy, in two weeks' time.