India, March 8 -- George Russell began the 2026 F1 season with a win at the Australian GP, leading a Mercedes one-two finish at the Albert Park Circuit. Starting from pole position, Russell held his nerve through a busy race and crossed the line ahead of teammate Kimi Antonelli. The result gives Mercedes an early lead in both the Drivers' and Constructors' standings under the new 2026 Formula 1 regulations. Throughout the weekend, the Brackley-based team showed strong pace in qualifying and race trim. When strategy came into play, Mercedes made the calls that mattered. Antonelli's second-place finish also marks a strong opening result for the young driver in the first race of the new regulation era.

The race saw immediate action when the...