George Russell Wins Dramatic F1 Season Opener in Australia

Mercedes completes 1-2 finish as only six drivers finish on the lead lap

Published on Mar. 8, 2026

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George Russell won the opening race of the 2026 Formula 1 season from pole position, but it was anything but a straightforward victory. Russell and Ferrari's Charles Leclerc traded the lead repeatedly in the first 20 laps, utilizing the new Active Aero technology. While Leclerc battled for the win, his teammate Lewis Hamilton raced into third. However, chaos ensued throughout the field, with several retirements and only six drivers finishing on the lead lap.

Why it matters

This race highlights the intense battle between Mercedes and Ferrari at the start of the new F1 era, with the two teams clearly establishing themselves as the class of the field. The use of Active Aero also played a pivotal role, leading to an exciting back-and-forth for the lead. The high attrition rate and only six cars finishing on the lead lap suggests the new regulations have introduced significant challenges for the teams and drivers.

The details

George Russell won the race from pole position, but he had to fend off a determined Charles Leclerc in the opening laps. Leclerc flew from fourth on the grid to take the lead at the start, utilizing Ferrari's fast getaway. However, Russell was the first to use the new Active Aero system to retake the lead, and the two drivers traded positions multiple times. Meanwhile, Lewis Hamilton raced into third, passing Russell's teammate Kimi Antonelli, who had started on the front row but faded to seventh on the opening lap. Antonelli would later battle back to finish fourth behind Hamilton. The race was marked by chaos, with several retirements, including Oscar Piastri pre-race and Nico Hulkenberg unable to start. Isack Hadjar's Red Bull Ford Power Unit also expired while he was running in the points. At the end of the race, only six drivers finished on the lead lap, with Hamilton fourth, Lando Norris fifth, and Max Verstappen sixth after rising 14 positions from his 20th place starting spot.

  • Leclerc flew from fourth to take the lead at the start on March 8, 2026.
  • Russell used the new Active Aero system to retake the lead in the opening laps on March 8, 2026.
  • Hadjar's Red Bull Ford Power Unit expired while he was running in the points on March 8, 2026.
  • Following a VSC deployment, the Ferraris were unable to pit before the pits were closed on March 8, 2026.
  • Bottas stopped off track on lap 18 on March 8, 2026.

The players

George Russell

The winner of the 2026 Formula 1 season opener in Australia, driving for the Mercedes team.

Charles Leclerc

The Ferrari driver who battled Russell for the lead in the opening laps of the race.

Lewis Hamilton

The Mercedes driver who raced into third position during the race.

Kimi Antonelli

The Mercedes driver who started on the front row but faded to seventh on the opening lap before battling back to finish fourth.

Isack Hadjar

The Red Bull Ford driver whose power unit expired while he was running in the points.

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What they’re saying

“It was a very very tricky race. Honestly, at the start, I don't believe any of us knew what to expect with the tires, with the energy, and it's even more tricky for the overtakes to defend, you don't really know when your battery is going to cut during the straight.”

— Charles Leclerc (F1TV)

“P3 was the best we could do today.”

— Charles Leclerc (F1TV)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.