George Russell won the season-opening Australian Grand Prix, qualifying for the World Championship. Mercedes overcame a tough early challenge from Ferrari to finish first and second in Melbourne.
Pole-sitter Russell lost out to Charles Leclerc and was also under pressure from Lewis Hamilton in an incredible opening run to the first race of the new F1 era, after Ferraris ran off the track from fourth and seventh on the grid as many expected.
Leclerc took the lead from Russell by turn one. It was the first of an incredible seven times in the opening nine laps, with both sides exchanging places with surprising regularity as F1’s new racing tactics and energy deployment modes were played out in fascinating live style.
Leclerc still emerged ahead of Russell and Hamilton after an action-packed opening, but the race ended on lap 11 when Isaac Hajjar’s Red Bull broke down on track and the virtual safety car was deployed.
Use Chrome Browser for a more accessible video player
At the Australian Grand Prix, George Russell and Charles Leclerc battle for P1, while Mercedes and Ferrari race.
Mercedes took the chance to pit two cars, including Antonelli, who had dropped from second on the grid at the start due to deployment issues, but Ferrari stopped both cars.
The Scuderia cars made it through laps 26 and 29 respectively before changing tires, but despite having a tire advantage for the remainder of the race, the pace of the Mercedes on old rubber meant that Russell and Antonelli were able to stay in front and decisively avoid another pit stop.
“What Ferrari gave up was track position and they lost control of the race,” said Sky Sports F1’s Martin Brundle.
“That was the important thing.”
Use Chrome Browser for a more accessible video player
Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton’s Ferraris make a rocket start at the start of the Australian Grand Prix.
With Russell 2.9 seconds ahead of Antonelli, Leclerc finished 15 seconds behind the leading Silver Arrow, but just a short distance ahead of Hamilton, who, awaiting his first Ferrari podium, remained out of reach as he caught up with his teammate late in the race to give him encouragement for a better second year in red.
As expected in pre-season testing, Mercedes and Ferrari pulled away from the pack in race trim, with McLaren and Red Bull having to settle for fifth place between reigning world champion Lando Norris and Max Verstappen.
Norris won, but Verstappen may still be satisfied with his recovery from qualifying 20th on the grid.
Hajar ran well from 3rd place on the grid before retiring, but McLaren’s Oscar Piastri crashed on his way to the grid before the race and was so traumatized that he couldn’t even start.
Use Chrome Browser for a more accessible video player
Home hero Oscar Piastri crashed on his way to the grid for the Australian Grand Prix in a McLaren.
There were four British athletes in the top eight, with Haas’ Oliver Bearman and 18-year-old debutant Arvid Lindblad finishing seventh and eighth respectively.
More to come.
F1 heads to Shanghai this Friday for the first sprint weekend of the 2026 season, the Chinese Grand Prix, which will be broadcast live on Sky Sports F1. Stream Sky Sports now – cancel anytime with no contract
