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 underlined Mercedes¡¯ promising preseason form while giving the team its first Melbourne victory since Valtteri Bottas claimed the 2019 race.

¡°I like this car, I like this engine, great job,¡± Russell said over the ?team radio.