MELBOURNE (dpa-AFX) - Amidst the hustle and bustle of Melbourne, Mercedes driver George Russell has ushered in a new era of Formula 1 with his sixth Grand Prix victory. In the opening race in Australia following the most significant regulatory overhaul in the history of motorsport's premier class, the Englishman even fended off a rocket start from Ferrari driver Charles Leclerc to celebrate a one-two finish Down Under with teammate Kimi Antonelli.
In a spectacular overture featuring numerous overtaking maneuvers and five retirements, the newly married Leclerc secured the first podium of the season in third place, finishing ahead of record world champion Lewis Hamilton. A superior tire strategy might have handed the Scuderia an opening-day victory.
Russell embraces Antonelli
"Very nice, very nice," Russell radioed to his crew. "I like this car, I like this engine. A great job." In the paddock, Russell embraced his team members and Antonelli, who had suffered a heavy crash during final practice the day before. "Anyone who said there was too little show was proven wrong at the start. We thought it would be easier. Ferrari was incredibly strong at the beginning," remarked a relieved team principal Toto Wolff.
"Mercedes had a bit more speed than us, perhaps not quite as much as yesterday," Leclerc admitted. Would an earlier pit stop have helped him in the fight for the win? "I don't think it would have been enough," Leclerc said.
Audi scores points immediately
Lando Norris, the 35th world champion in Formula 1 history, could manage no better than fifth place in his McLaren on Sunday. Max Verstappen finished sixth in the Red Bull after starting from 20th on the grid. At the front, however, Mercedes celebrated its 61st one-two finish, hoping for a new Silver Arrows era after four disappointing years.
Audi had to endure a retirement even before the red lights went out for Nico Hülkenberg during its debut as a works team. However, Brazilian Gabriel Bortoleto much to the delight of Audi boss Gernot Döllner managed to finish ninth and secure points immediately.
Disaster for local hero Piastri
After a 91-day Grand Prix hiatus, Leclerc got off to a strong start in the Ferrari. The Monegasque made the best use of the new starting phase, which includes a five-second buffer before the red lights go out, to reach the correct RPM. Before the first corner, Leclerc surged past Mercedes driver Russell, who had dominantly secured his eighth pole position in qualifying. "It was a crazy battle," Russell said of the furious opening phase at the Albert Park Circuit.
By then, Oscar Piastri had long since become a spectator. Last season's third-place finisher in the World Championship hit the curb exiting Turn 4 on his way to the starting grid, lost control of his McLaren, and crashed into the barriers. It was a shock for the Melbourne-born Piastri, his family, and his fans.
Shock for Audi and Hülkenberg
"It was a combination of things: cold tires, I hit the curb at the exit of the corner, that was my mistake, and I had more power than I expected," a contrite Piastri explained regarding his exit. "A very disappointing end. It hurts a lot." Thus, the wait continues: there is still no Australian on the podium of their home Grand Prix.
Nico Hülkenberg also experienced a disaster. Technical problems forced the Rhinelander into the garage with his Audi before the start. Even from there, the only German driver in the field could not get going. In front of company CEO Gernot Döllner, it was initially a frustrating start for the German manufacturer celebrating its debut as a works team in motorsport's top tier.
Leclerc vs. Russell
What an opening for the 2026 Formula 1, which has proclaimed the largest regulatory revolution in its history with new engines and new cars. Since nearly 50 percent of the power comes from a battery, drivers are required to engage in constant energy management. They must find the right balance between charging and attacking. This is intended to make the races more unpredictable.
The initial verdict: the new concept works. At the front, Leclerc and Russell engaged in a hard-fought battle for position. After a crash in qualifying and without a timed lap, four-time world champion Max Verstappen had to fight through the field from 20th place and worked his way into the points.
In between, technical problems repeatedly forced drivers into early retirements. From Isack Hadjar, who was allowed to start from third on his Red Bull debut, to Valtteri Bottas, who is a regular driver for the new US team Cadillac.
Hamilton reacts with disbelief
Russell and Antonelli used the first Virtual Safety Car phase, triggered by Hadjar's excursion onto the grass, to pit. However, instead of also fitting hard tires, the Ferrari pit wall failed to act. "You should have brought at least one of us in," record world champion Lewis Hamilton reacted in disbelief.
At the front, however, Russell and Antonelli coolly completed their laps. Leclerc and Hamilton could no longer catch the Mercedes duo. Russell cheered as he crossed the finish line, shouting: "It was incredible."/mom/DP/zb
