Summary
George Russell, driving for Mercedes, won the Australian Grand Prix, the first race of the 2026 Formula One season. Russell's victory marked Mercedes' first win in Melbourne since 2019. Oscar Piastri from McLaren had to exit the race before it began due to a crash.
Key Facts
- George Russell won the Australian Grand Prix for Mercedes.
- Russell's teammate, Kimi Antonelli, finished in second place.
- This win was Mercedes’ first at the Melbourne track since 2019.
- Charles Leclerc of Ferrari finished third after a difficult race with tire strategy issues.
- Oscar Piastri from McLaren crashed during a reconnaissance lap and did not start the race.
- Lando Norris, Piastri’s teammate and the defending champion, finished in fifth place.
- Max Verstappen started in the 20th position and finished sixth for Red Bull.
- The turning point came when Isack Hadjar of Red Bull retired due to car failure, prompting a virtual safety car and strategic pit stops for Mercedes.
