Leclerc storms to victory at Australian Grand Prix as Verstappen suffers more problems

Charles Leclerc continued his fine start to the Formula One season on Sunday after the Ferrari driver claimed his second victory by leading from start to finish at the Australian Grand Prix, while Red Bull's world champion Max Verstappen suffered "deja vu" with another retirement.

Leclerc's car showed impressive pace and performance on the upgraded Albert Park circuit to seal his fourth career win ahead of Red Bull's runner-up Sergio Perez. Third-placed George Russell grabbed his second podium and first for Mercedes in an encouraging day for the struggling constructors' champions.

"What a race and what pace," said a thrilled Leclerc on the team radio, having finished more than 20 seconds ahead of Perez in the 58-lap race. "The car was incredible today, well done guys."

Leclerc has now built a 34-point lead over Russell in the F1 championship. He is also the first Ferrari driver since Fernando Alonso in Singapore in 2010 to complete a racing “grand slam,” having claimed the pole position, led wire-to-wire, won the race and also posted the fastest time.

“Honestly, what a car today. Of course, I did a good job all weekend, but it was not possible without the car,” he said.

“Obviously we are only in the third race, so it is difficult to think about the championship,” Leclerc added. “But, to be honest, we have a very strong car, a very reliable car too, and for now we have always been there. I hope it continues like this and if it does, we probably have chances for the championship.”

Verstappen was second behind the Ferrari driver when his car suffered a reliability problem and rolled to a halt during his 39th lap with smoke billowing. "I smell some weird fluid," Verstappen said before coming to a stop at turn two.

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