Russell and Mercedes win F1’s Australian Grand Prix after Piastri crash

Al JazeeraEN 4 min read 100% complete by By ReutersMarch 8, 2026 at 01:37 PM

AI Summary

long article 4 min

George Russell of Mercedes won the Formula One Australian Grand Prix on March 8, 2026, at the Albert Park Circuit in Melbourne. This victory marked Mercedes' first win in Melbourne since 2019, with teammate Kimi Antonelli finishing second, securing a one-two finish for the team. Ferrari's Charles Leclerc finished third, over 15 seconds behind Russell. The race saw an early crash for home favorite Oscar Piastri before the start, while defending champion Lando Norris finished fifth. Max Verstappen of Red Bull finished sixth after starting 20th due to a qualifying crash.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

Max Verstappen 40% Lewis Hamilton 40% Red Bull 40% Lando Norris 50% Oscar Piastri 50% Melbourne ×250% Kimi Antonelli ×260% Ferrari ×460% Charles Leclerc ×360% Australian Grand Prix ×370% Mercedes ×580% George Russell ×690%

Keywords

australian grand prix 100% formula one 100% mercedes 90% george russell 90% kimi antonelli 70% ferrari 70% charles leclerc 60% race 50% tyre strategy 40% podium 40%