George Russell got Mercedes off to a flying start as he won the Australian Grand Prix.

Russell cruised to victory in Melbourne, only having to overcame an early tussle with Charles Leclerc, as a new era for Formula One began with Mercedes on top.

Leclerc battled with Russell for the first 10 laps, but Ferrari's call to make him stay out during a virtual safety car ultimately proved costly.

Kimi Antonelli rounded off an impressive one-two for Mercedes, who have looked the team most accustomed to the new rule changes during pre-season.

Leclerc took third, ahead of team-mate Lewis Hamilton.

Reigning F1 world champion Lando Norris placed fifth, with Max Verstappen finishing sixth.

It was a bad day for Norris' McLaren team-mate Oscar Piastri, who spun out on the way to the grid in his home race.

Oliver Bearman, debutant Arvid Lindblad, Gabriel Bortoleto and Pierre Gasly rounded out the top 10.

Neither Fernando Alonso nor Lance Stroll managed to classify, compounding Aston Martin's struggles.

GEORGE RUSSELL WINS IN MELBOURNE!

An incredibly strong drive from the Mercedes driver to lead home a 1-2 for the team #F1 #AusGP pic.twitter.com/8rHtSsFREe

— Formula 1 (@F1) March 8, 2026

Data Debrief: Mercedes start strong

Mercedes have now had one of their drivers on the podium in 18 different years, including each of the last 15.

That has equalled the eighth-best run by a team in F1 history, alongside BRM between 1958 and 1972.

Teenager Lindblad, meanwhile, became the youngest Briton to race in F1, and secured an impressive eighth-place finish.

At the age of 18 years and 213 days, he is the fourth-youngest driver to compete in the competition after Verstappen (17 years and 166 days), Lance Stroll (18 years and 148 days) and Kimi Antonelli (18 years and 203 days).

TOP 10

1. George Russell (Mercedes)
2. Kimi Antonelli (Mercedes)
3. Charles Leclerc (Ferrari)
4. Lewis Hamilton (Ferrari)
5. Lando Norris (McLaren)
6. Max Verstappen (Red Bull)
7. Oliver Bearman (Haas)
8. Arvid Lindblad (Racing Bulls)
9. Gabriel Bortoleto (Audi)
10. Pierre Gasley (Alpine)

CHAMPIONSHIP STANDINGS

Drivers'

1. George Russell (Mercedes) - 25
2. Kimi Antonelli (Mercedes) - 18
3. Charles Leclerc (Ferrari) - 15

Constructors'

1. Mercedes - 43
2. Ferrari - 27
3. McLaren - 10