Russell and Mercedes dominate Australian Grand Prix

MELBOURNE, March 8 : Mercedes driver George Russell struck the first blow in the Formula One championship as he claimed an emphatic victory in the season-opening Australian Grand Prix ahead of teammate Kimi Antonelli and crushed an early challenge from Ferrari on Sunday.

Having dominated qualifying, pole-sitter Russell's first win at Albert Park confirmed Mercedes' pre-season form while giving the team their first Melbourne victory since Valtteri Bottas in 2019.

"I like this car, I like this engine, great job," Russell said over the team radio.

"Great job everybody, it's been a long time it's been a long time coming to have this car beneath us."

Profiting from an early change of tyres, the Briton finished nearly three seconds ahead of Italian Antonelli, with Ferrari's third-placed Charles Leclerc more than 15 seconds adrift after his team's tyre strategy failed.

It was a tough day for McLaren, with home hero Oscar Piastri's race over before it began with a crash during a reconnaissance lap some 40 minutes before the start.

His teammate and defending champion Lando Norris finished fifth, one place behind the Ferrari of seven-times world champion Lewis Hamilton - but over 50 seconds after Russell crossed.

Four-times world champion Max Verstappen was sixth for Red Bull after starting 20th on the grid following a crash in Saturday's qualifying. His teammate Isack Hadjar suffered an early retirement.

THRILLING DUEL

Russell engaged in a thrilling early duel with Leclerc, the pair swapping the lead seven times in the opening nine laps.

"It was a hell of a fight at the beginning," said Russell.

"I made a bad start, and some really tight battles with Charles at the start - just really glad to cross the finish line."

There was ultimately