Russell wins Australian Grand Prix in Mercedes 1-2Mercedes' George Russell, right, competes with Ferrari's Charles Leclerc during the Australian Grand Prix. (Photo: afp)MELBOURNE - George Russell kept his cool to win a frantic season-opening Australian Grand Prix on Sunday from Mercedes teammate Kimi Antonelli after a thrilling battle with Ferrari's Charles Leclerc. With the virtual safety car repeatedly brought out, pre-season favourite Russell stayed calm to clock a sixth Grand Prix win and his first since Singapore last year. The virtual safety car came out on lap 12 when Hadjar's car stopped with Russell and Antonelli pitting and coming back on hards. Russell radioed that he thought a one-stop race was viable and he began pulling clear, with Antonelli second.

Source: Bangkok Post March 08, 2026 09:10 UTC