LECLERC WINS IN AUSTRALIA AS VERSTAPPEN FAILS TO SCORE

For the first time since 2019 Formula One returned to Australia - at a newly surfaced and formatted Albert Park. It was the Ferrari of Leclerc who takes his fourth win in F1 with Perez in the Red Bull coming home in second and George Russell getting his first podium of the year in third with the Mercedes team.

On lap two Sainz (Ferrari) is beached after attempting a pass on Schumacher (Haas)

On lap 24 the Safety Car is deployed after Vettel crashes coming out on the exit of turn six.

And with 20 laps left (lap 39) Verstappen is forced to pull over and retire. Another issue for the reigning World Champion.

The next race is the Italian Grand Prix.

COPYRIGHT DISCLAIMER: Under section 107 of the Copyright Act of 1976, allowance is made for “fair use” for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, education and research. All images are owned by Formula One.