F1 2026: George Russell hails 'incredible' Australian GP win
What's the story
George Russell clinched the season-opening Australian Grand Prix, leading a stunning 1-2 finish for Mercedes with teammate Kimi Antonelli. The Briton crossed the line at Melbourne's Albert Park circuit 2.974 seconds ahead of his teammate. Scuderia Ferrari's Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton finished third and fourth respectively. This victory marks Russell's sixth career win and his first since last year's Singapore Grand Prix. Here's what he said after winning the race.
Race details
Russell battles through virtual safety car
Russell started from pole position but had a tough start, losing the lead to Leclerc on the first lap. However, he reclaimed his position on the second lap but did not hold it through the virtual safety car periods. The new F1 regulations require drivers to recharge their power units while braking or lifting off the throttle. This made Albert Park's long straights particularly challenging as they drain battery power quickly.
Post-race comments
A long time coming, says Russell
After the race, Russell expressed his delight at the win. "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." "I made a bad start and obviously some really tight battles with Charles [Leclerc], so I was really glad to cross the finish line." He also praised his team's efforts. "Honestly, thank you so much to the whole team because it's been a long time coming to have this car beneath us and we couldn't start off in a better way."
Words
I'm glad to be one-two, says Russell
Russell also spoke about the race and felt things were a bit sketchy. "I'm glad you guys enjoyed it, we had the suspicion that it was going to be a bit of a yoyo effect, as soon as one of us got in front it felt impossible to hold it." "Obviously with this straight mode, we lose a lot of the front end on the cars, so we're sort of just understeering a lot round these corners. Maybe the FIA are going to have to improve that a little bit because it was a bit sketchy, but I made it in one piece and I'm glad to be one-two."
Numbers
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.