F1 2026, George Russell wins season-opening Australian GP: Key stats
What's the story
Mercedes showed their power and intensity in the season-opening 2026 Australian Grand Prix. George Russell came out on top to win the race. He finished ahead of teammate Kimi Antonelli as Mercedes dominated the scenes. Scuderia Ferrari's Charles Leclerc claimed third place to take the final podium whereas Lewis Hamilton finished fourth. Here are further details and stats.
Russell
6th race win and 25th career podium finish
Russell, who set pole position, has now claimed his sixth race win in F1. He claimed his maiden race win in 2022. After failing to win a race in 2023, he has since then claimed victories now in three successive seasons. The last two seasons saw him win two races each. Meanwhile, Russell sealed his 25th career podium finish.
Twitter Post
1-2!
This weekend has definitely been 1-2 remember! 🤩 pic.twitter.com/DzAQr74AP2
— Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team (@MercedesAMGF1) March 8, 2026
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4th podium finish for Italy's Antonelli
Italian international Antonelli, who made his F1 debut on the circuit in 2025, picked up his 4th career podium finish. He had claimed three podiums in the F1 2025 campaign. Antonelli, who finished 7th last season, has got off to a strong start in 2026.
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51st career podium for Leclerc
Ferrari's Leclerc sealed his 51st career podium finish by finishing third in Melbourne on Sunday. The eight-time race winner is into his 8th season with Ferrari. Notably, he finished 5th last season from 24 races.
Reaction
'I'm feeling incredible'
"I'm feeling incredible, it was a hell of a fight at the beginning. We knew it was going to be challenging and I got on the grid and I saw my battery level had nothing in the tank," said Russell. "I made a bad start and obviously some really tight battles with Charles [Leclerc], so I was really glad to cross the finish line."
Others
Key details of Hamilton, Norris and Verstappen
Behind the drivers who claimed podium finishes, Hamilton took fourth place after qualifying in seventh. The former Mercedes man had a dismal debut campaign with Ferrari in 2025. McLaren's 2025 F1 championship winner Lando Norris finished fifth whereas Red Bull Racing's Max Verstappen, who failed to set a time on Saturday, because of his crash, did well to rise and claim sixth spot.
Details
Key strategy that played a part in Russell's win
Russell's decision to pit during a virtual safety car period proved crucial. While he and teammate Antonelli opted for the hard tires, Ferrari duo Leclerc and Hamilton chose to stay out. This strategy gave Russell a significant advantage, allowing him to extend his lead over the Ferraris. By the time Leclerc pitted, Russell was just five seconds behind the leader with fresh tires.
Dynamics
A brief look at the race
Both Ferrari drivers got their expected electric starts, with Leclerc overtaking from fourth on the grid to take first at Turn One. However, Russell used extra electrical energy to power past Leclerc on lap two between Turns 10 and 11. The Briton closely followed Leclerc until Russell pitted under a virtual safety car period triggered by Isack Hadjar's Red Bull retirement on lap 12.
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Fight at the front ended by Russell
After the pit stops, Russell was in a strong position with fresh tires while Leclerc emerged 14 seconds behind. Despite being on fresher tires, Leclerc couldn't close the gap to Russell, effectively ending the fight at the front.
Top 10
Australian GP: Here are the Top 10 drivers
George Russell (Mercedes) Kimi Antonelli (Mercedes) Charles Leclerc (Ferrari) Lewis Hamilton (Ferrari) Lando Norris (McLaren) Max Verstappen (Red Bull Racing) Ollie Bearman (Haas) Arvid Lindblad (Racing Bull) Gabriel Bortoleto (Audi) Pierre Gasly (Alpine)
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5 drivers ruled out
As many as 5 drivers were out of the race. The likes of McLaren's Oscar Piastri and Audi's Nico Hulkenberg did not start (DNS). Meanwhile, Red Bull's Isack Hadjar, Cadillac's Valtteri Bottas and Aston Martin's Fernando Alonso did not finish (DNF).
Fight
Hamilton feels Mercedes are in the fight
Hamilton, when asked about whether Ferrari should have pitted under the virtual safety car, said: "I really don't know I need to go back and have a look, but I'm really proud of the team I think they've done an amazing job to get the car to where it is." He also said Mercedes are in the fight and it was a fun race.
Standings
Driver and Team standings after 2026 AUS GP
Russell owns 25 points with Antonelli getting to 18 points. Leclerc (15), Hamilton (12), and Norris (10) complete the top 5. Among teams, Mercedes have set an early tone with 43 points under their belt. Ferrari follows suit with 27 points. McLaren (10), Red Bull Racing (8), and Haas (6) complete the top 5.