Formula 1: Russell says ‘it’s been a long time’ as Mercedes dominate Australian Grand Prix
Briton Russell finishes almost three seconds ahead of teammate Kimi Antonelli, with Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc more than 15 seconds adrift
George Russell struck the first blow in the Formula One championship for Mercedes as he claimed an emphatic victory in the season-opening Australian Grand Prix ahead of teammate Kimi Antonelli and crushed an early challenge from Ferrari.
Having dominated qualifying, pole-sitter Russell’s first win at Albert Park underlined Mercedes’ promising pre-season form while giving the team their first Melbourne victory since Valtteri Bottas claimed the 2019 race.
“Great job everybody, it’s been a long time since we’ve been here,” he said over the team radio.
The Briton finished almost three seconds ahead of Antonelli, with Charles Leclerc more than 15 seconds behind on a cloudy afternoon at the lakeside circuit on Sunday.
It was a tough day for McLaren, with home hero Oscar Piastri’s race over before it began with a crash during a reconnaissance lap some 40 minutes before the start.
His teammate and defending champion Lando Norris finished fifth, one place behind seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton of Ferrari. Four-time champion Max Verstappen was sixth for Red Bull after starting 20th on the grid following a crash in qualifying on Saturday.