Mercedes 1-2 as Russell wins Australian GP

Leclerc third after Ferrari strategy blunder

Published on Mar. 8, 2026

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Mercedes' George Russell won the thrilling season-opening Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix, with teammate Kimi Antonelli finishing second, after a double-stacked pit stop under the virtual safety car outmaneuvered a lightning quick start by Ferrari's Charles Leclerc, who finished third.

Why it matters

This was Mercedes' first 1-2 finish since the 2024 Las Vegas Grand Prix, signaling a potential return to form for the team after a difficult 2025 season. The race also highlighted Ferrari's strategic missteps, which allowed Mercedes to capitalize and secure the victory.

The details

Russell had a sluggish start from pole position, as did Antonelli who dropped to seventh, allowing Leclerc to take the lead. The two then diced for the top spot before the virtual safety car deployment on lap 12, which saw both Mercedes cars make a quick pit stop - a move that proved decisive. Leclerc was frustrated that Ferrari failed to follow Mercedes' strategy, which he believed cost him a chance at the win.

  • The virtual safety car was deployed on lap 12.
  • Russell and Antonelli made their pit stops under the virtual safety car.

The players

George Russell

The Mercedes driver won the thrilling season-opening Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix.

Kimi Antonelli

The Mercedes driver finished second in the Australian Grand Prix.

Charles Leclerc

The Ferrari driver finished third after a Ferrari strategy blunder.

Lewis Hamilton

The seven-time world champion finished fourth for Ferrari.

Lando Norris

The sole McLaren driver in the race finished fifth after his teammate Oscar Piastri crashed out before the start.

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What they’re saying

“We knew it was going to be challenging. I go onto the grid; I saw my battery level. I have nothing in the tank, made a bad start and honestly some really tight battles with Charles (Leclerc).”

— George Russell (wsav.com)

“Yeah, the racing was incredible. The first few laps, the overtake is so powerful that you can give a lot of action. So, it was really good fun at the beginning and yeah, now, a bit of rest and looking forward to China.”

— Kimi Antonelli (wsav.com)

“I don't think so, but maybe I'm wrong. Yeah, it looked like Mercedes maybe had a bit more pace than us today. But, maybe not as much as what we saw yesterday, so that's a good thing. But I don't think we could have won.”

— Charles Leclerc (wsav.com)

“At least one of us should have come in.”

— Lewis Hamilton (wsav.com)

What’s next

The teams will now head to the Chinese Grand Prix on April 14, 2026.

The takeaway

This race highlighted the strategic battle between Mercedes and Ferrari, with Mercedes' quick thinking under the virtual safety car proving decisive. It also showcased the competitiveness of the 2026 grid, with several drivers and teams fighting for position throughout the race.