Australian Grand Prix: Mercedes' Russell Wins Race; McLaren Driver Piastri Crashes Out
Mercedes’ George Russell has won a thrilling season-opening Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix, with teammate Kimi Antonelli following him home for the team’s 61st one-two result and first since 2024’s Las Vegas Grand Prix. Pole sitter Russell had a sluggish start, as did Antonelli who dropped to seventh, allowing Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc - making best use of his smaller turbo for a quicker spool-up and getaway - to take the lead into turn one. The Monégasque then diced for the top spot with Russell, passing and repassing, before the lap 12 deployment of the virtual safety car to cover the stopped Red Bull car of Isack Hadjar - when both Mercedes cars stopped.
Mercedes driver George Russell, centre, of Britain celebrates after winning the Australian Formula One Grand Prix with second placed teammate Andrea Kimi Antonelli, left, of Italy and third placed Ferrari driver Charles Leclerc, right, of Monaco at Albert Park, in Melbourne, Australia. | Photo: AP/Scott Barbour
Mercedes driver George Russell, left, of Britain embraces teammate Andrea Kimi Antonelli of Italy after winning the Australian Formula One Grand Prix at Albert Park, in Melbourne, Australia. | Photo: AP/Asanka Brendon Ratnayake
Mercedes driver George Russell of Britain crosses the finish line to win the Australian Formula One Grand Prix at Albert Park, in Melbourne, Australia. | Photo: AP/Heath McKinley
Mercedes driver George Russell of Britain steers his car during the Australian Formula One Grand Prix at Albert Park, in Melbourne, Australia. | Photo: AP/Asanka Brendon Ratnayake
Haas driver Oliver Bearman of Britain steers his car during the Australian Formula One Grand Prix at Albert Park, in Melbourne, Australia. | Photo: AP/Heath McKinley
Ferrari driver Charles Leclerc of Monaco steers his car during the Australian Formula One Grand Prix at Albert Park, in Melbourne, Australia. | Photo: AP/Asanka Brendon Ratnayake
Mercedes driver George Russell of Britain steers his car during the Australian Formula One Grand Prix at Albert Park, in Melbourne, Australia. | Photo: AP/Heath McKinley
Red Bull driver Max Verstappen of the Netherlands steers his car during the Australian Formula One Grand Prix at Albert Park, in Melbourne, Australia. | Photo: AP/Asanka Brendon Ratnayake
Ferrari driver Charles Leclerc, front, of Monaco leads Mercedes driver George Russell of Britain and teammate Lewis Hamilton of Britain during the Australian Formula One Grand Prix at Albert Park, in Melbourne, Australia. | Photo: AP/Asanka Brendon Ratnayake
A part belonging to McLaren driver Oscar Piastri of Australia's car sits on the track after he crashe don the formation lap ahead of the Australian Formula One Grand Prix at Albert Park, in Melbourne, Australia. | Photo: AP/Scott Barbour
Mercedes driver George Russell of Britain steers his car during the Australian Formula One Grand Prix at Albert Park, in Melbourne, Australia. | Photo: AP/Asanka Brendon Ratnayake
Red Bull driver Isack Hadjar, left, of France and Ferrari driver Lewis Hamilton of Britain steer their cars out of turn two at the start of the Australian Formula One Grand Prix at Albert Park, in Melbourne, Australia. | Photo: AP/Asanka Brendon Ratnayake
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