Russell Leads Mercedes 1-2 in 2026 F1 Season Opener in Melbourne
George Russell kicked off Formula 1's new era in commanding fashion, securing victory at the 2026 Australian Grand Prix. The Mercedes driver, who started from pole position after a qualifying session that saw reigning champion Max Verstappen crash out, led from the front for much of the race at Melbourne's Albert Park circuit. He was followed home by his 18-year-old teammate, Kimi Antonelli, marking a dream debut for the rookie and sealing a dominant one-two finish for the Silver Arrows. The Ferrari duo of Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton rounded out the top four, with Leclerc engaging in an early battle with Russell before settling for the final podium spot. The race was action-packed, featuring a dramatic incident where local hopeful Oscar Piastri crashed out before the start. Verstappen, starting from near the back of the grid, mounted a impressive recovery drive to finish fifth. The result signals a potential shift in the competitive order under F1's new 2026 regulations, with Mercedes appearing to have mastered the new car package from the outset. The victory positions Russell as an early championship contender as the teams now look ahead to the next round at the Chinese Grand Prix.
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Australian GP 2026 LIVE: F1 Australian Grand Prix Live Updates, Lap-by-Lap Race Action From Melbourne | Times Now
Australian GP 2026 Highlights: The 2026 Australian GP is upon us as the new season started with a bang. Despite intense competition from Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton, Mercedes managed to ensure George Russell won the race and Kimi Antonelli finished second.
George Russell wins Australian Grand Prix ahead of Kimi Antonelli – as it happened | Formula One 2026 | The Guardian
Lap 41/58: Russell continues to lead the Australian grand prix, with his teammate Antonelli trailing in second. The Ferrari of Leclerc rounds out the podium, with the Monégasque driver’s teammate Hamilton in fourth. Verstappen has come from the second-last row of the grid to occupy fith ...
2026 Australian Grand Prix race report and highlights: George Russell wins action-packed Australian GP from Kimi Antonelli as Mercedes secure 1-2 finish
George Russell has claimed victory in the 2026 season-opening Australian Grand Prix, the Briton leading team mate Kimi Antonelli to secure a Mercedes 1-2 ahead of the Ferrari duo in an action-packed event that saw the Silver Arrows make a one-stop strategy work to their favour.
F1 Australian Grand Prix 2026 LIVE: Reaction & result as Russell wins first race of the season - BBC Sport
Well done to 18-year-old British ... in Melbourne. Thanks for joining us, folks. Get yourselves back here on Friday, 13 March at 03:30 GMT for the only practice session of the Chinese Grand Prix, followed by sprint qualifying at 07:30 to set the grid for Saturday's shorter race. Sunday's main grand prix starts at 07:00. See you next weekend! ... Here's a challenge to keep you ticking over until next weekend's second round of racing in Shanghai. Have a go at this mega F1 quiz with ...
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