George Russell Wins Australian Grand Prix as Mercedes Seal Opening 1–2
The first race of Formula 1’s new era delivered drama from the very start in Melbourne, as George Russell converted pole position into victory at the Australian Grand Prix, leading home Mercedes teammate Kimi Antonelli for a dominant one-two finish.
Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc completed the podium, narrowly holding off teammate Lewis Hamilton after a tense strategic battle at Albert Park.
Early drama before lights out
The race had barely begun when local favourite Oscar Piastri crashed while driving to the grid. The McLaren driver clipped too much kerb on his out lap, spinning heavily into the barriers.
Oscar Piastri has crashed and is OUT of the Australian Grand Prix before it begins 😮#F1 #AusGP pic.twitter.com/5prGby7dNC
— Formula 1 (@F1) March 8, 2026
Although the Australian walked away unhurt, the damage to his car ruled him out before the race had even started, leaving disappointed home fans without a hometown contender.
There was further trouble for Audi, as Nico Hulkenberg’s car suffered a communications failure before the formation lap, forcing the German out before the start.
Leclerc storms into early lead
When the lights finally went out, Russell made a poor getaway from pole and Leclerc seized the opportunity, launching his Ferrari into the lead.
This is how the frantic race start unfolded in Albert Park! 🙌💨#F1 #AusGP pic.twitter.com/2vRc65bD7d
— Formula 1 (@F1) March 8, 2026
Hamilton nearly followed his teammate through but was squeezed onto the grass while Russell recovered to second place.
Behind them, Red Bull rookie Isack Hadjar initially held fourth, while Antonelli slipped down the order after struggling with battery deployment at the start.
Russell quickly fought back, reclaiming the lead from Leclerc before the Ferrari driver used the new «Overtake Mode» system to snatch the position back. The opening laps featured a thrilling duel between the two drivers, with the lead changing hands multiple times.
Virtual Safety Cars shape the race
The first turning point came when Hadjar’s Red Bull developed a power unit problem and stopped on track, triggering a Virtual Safety Car. Mercedes took the opportunity to pit both Russell and Antonelli for hard tyres, while Ferrari kept Leclerc and Hamilton out.
A second VSC later followed when Valtteri Bottas stopped near the pit lane entry, again shaking up the strategies across the field.
Ferrari committed to a one-stop plan, while Mercedes initially appeared to be moving toward a two-stop strategy.
Russell retakes control
After the pit stops played out, Russell eventually passed Hamilton to reclaim the race lead. Mercedes then made the decisive call to stretch their tyres to the finish, gambling that their hard compound could last the distance.
Russell built a steady gap while Antonelli held second place, keeping Ferrari at bay.
Leclerc closed slightly during the middle phase of the race but never came close enough to threaten the Mercedes pair.
Late fight for the podium
Behind the leaders, Hamilton began to close on Leclerc during the final laps in a fight for the final podium position.
The seven-time world champion reduced the gap to less than a second on the final lap, but Leclerc held firm to secure third place.
Russell gets back into the lead! ⏩💨
— Formula 1 (@F1) March 8, 2026
Could this be the move which decides the race for the Mercedes driver? 🧐#F1 #AusGP pic.twitter.com/sBvZkbysGe
Russell takes the first win of the season
Russell crossed the line to claim the first victory of the 2026 season, finishing just under three seconds ahead of Antonelli and completing a perfect start to the year for Mercedes.
Leclerc finished third, with Hamilton just six tenths behind in fourth.
Further back, Lando Norris held off Max Verstappen for fifth place, while Oliver Bearman impressed by leading the midfield in seventh.
The only rookie on the grid, Arvid Lindblad delivered a phenomenal performance by storming into the top on the start, then holding off Verstappen for several laps. He then ended his maiden race in points, ahead of his teammate Liam Lawson.
Top 10 – Australian Grand Prix
- George Russell – Mercedes
- Kimi Antonelli – Mercedes (+2.974s)
- Charles Leclerc – Ferrari (+15.519s)
- Lewis Hamilton – Ferrari (+16.144s)
- Lando Norris – McLaren
- Max Verstappen – Red Bull Racing
- Oliver Bearman – Haas
- Arvid Lindblad – Racing Bulls
- Gabriel Bortoleto – Audi
- Pierre Gasly – Alpine
The season opener confirmed Mercedes’ pre-season pace advantage, with Russell and Antonelli delivering a commanding result that immediately places the Silver Arrows at the head of the championship battle.
