Lewis Hamilton was left fuming after Ferrari's strategic blunders cost him a podium at the Australian Grand Prix, as George Russell capitalised to secure victory for Mercedes. The seven-time world champion, now in his first season with the Scuderia, saw a potential top-three finish slip away due to questionable pit-stop decisions.
Ferrari opted not to pit Hamilton or teammate Charles Leclerc during a virtual safety car period triggered by Isack Hadjar's retirement. This allowed Mercedes to undercut them, with Russell taking the lead and ultimately winning by three seconds over teammate Kimi Antonelli. Hamilton finished fourth, while Leclerc managed third.
Russell's win marked Mercedes' first one-two finish without Hamilton since 1955. 'I like this car! I like this engine,' Russell said. 'It's been a long time coming to have this car beneath me.' The Briton now leads the championship after a composed drive despite a poor start.
The race was overshadowed by Oscar Piastri's crash on the reconnaissance lap, eliminating the home favourite before the start. Lando Norris held off Max Verstappen for fifth, while the Australian curse at Albert Park continues with no home podium in 41 years.
