Mercedes' George Russell wins F1 season-opener as polarizing rule change takes effect

George Russell of Mercedes won the season-opening Australian Grand Prix from pole position on Sunday, heralding a new era for Formula 1 after a sweeping regulation change that has sparked polarizing reaction among the drivers

George Russell of Mercedes won the season-opening Australian Grand Prix from pole position on Sunday, heralding a new era for Formula 1 after a sweeping regulation change that has sparked polarizing reaction among the drivers.

Finishing in second was fellow Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli, followed by Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton.

The result establishes Mercedes as the clear championship favorite at the outset of the 2026 season after their drivers qualified first and second.

It will boost Russell’s hopes of a first driver’s championship and his team’s prospects of winning their first team championship since 2021. F1 history indicates that teams that nail a new regulations set early hold a lasting advantage.

“Feeling incredible. It was a hell of a fight at the beginning,” Russell said in a post-race interview. “We knew it was going to be challenging. I got on the grid, I saw my battery level had nothing in the tank, made a bad start and then obviously some really tight battles with Charles. So I was really glad to cross the finish line.”