Havana, March 8 (RHC) – Briton George Russell (Mercedes) took the lead today in the 2026 Formula One World Championship, winning the Australian Grand Prix, followed by his teammate, Italian Kimi Antonelli.
Russell lived up to expectations and won the season opener with a time of 1:23:06.801, followed by Antonelli and Monegasque driver Charles Leclerc (Ferrari), 2.974 and 15.519 seconds behind, respectively.
“I really loved crossing the finish line, but honestly, thanks to the whole team, because it’s taken a long time to get this car ready. And yes, I’m going to start off on a much better footing,” the Briton stated.
The German Mercedes team achieved a one-two finish, the 61st time in F1 history that a team has accomplished this feat, the last time being in Las Vegas in 2014.
Leclerc also secured his first podium with Ferrari since the Mexican Grand Prix last year.
After the race, the Monegasque driver admitted his frustration at letting a potential victory slip away after Ferrari erred by not following Mercedes’ quick decision to make a timely pit stop under the virtual safety car, while the rest of the field slowed down.
On lap 12, the safety car was deployed at the Albert Park circuit to cover the stopped Red Bull of Algerian-born Frenchman Isack Hadjar, at which point both Mercedes cars entered the pits.
Representing Latin America, the Brazilian Gabriel Bortoleto was one of the pleasant surprises of the day with his Audi, finishing ninth, while Argentinian Franco Colapinto (Alpine) crossed the finish line in 14th place and Mexican Sergio “Checo” Pérez (Cadillac) finished 16th.
Australian Oscar Piastri of McLaren, who crashed on his way to the starting grid at Turn 4 due to a power unit surge, was forced to retire from the race in his home country before the start.
