The season-opener on the Australian Grand Prix bought off to an eventful begin regardless of the combined emotions up and down the paddock concerning the new period of System 1.
Mercedes’ George Russell transformed pole place right into a race win, with team-mate Kimi Antonelli claiming a one-two for the Silver Arrows.
Listed here are my driver scores for the primary weekend in Melbourne:
George Russell – 9 – Imperious weekend from the Brit who has been title favorite since pre-season testing. Discovered himself with no battery for the race begin which led to a poor launch off the road and misplaced him the lead of the race. As soon as by means of on Charles Leclerc, was hardly ever pressured to push arduous.
Kimi Antonelli – 7 – An excellent restoration from Antonelli, who was behind his Mercedes team-mate for almost all of the weekend. The large crash in remaining apply left him and his mechanics with lots of work to do. Solely Max Verstappen’s pink flag in qualifying allowed Mercedes sufficient time to get out and even then, the Italian appeared on the verge of placing it within the wall. However a front-row grid spot, adopted by a poor launch and restoration again to second, results in a strong begin total.
Charles Leclerc – 7.5 – Strong, quick and a mega begin to take the lead of the race at Flip One. Nice combating with Russell within the early phases. Did not put a foot improper however finally Ferrari technique price him an opportunity at extra.
Lewis Hamilton – 7.5 – Fast from the off. There is a refreshed aura round Hamilton this 12 months and whereas I used to be stunned to see him not qualify forward of team-mate Leclerc, an equally sensible begin off the road noticed him in competition. Let down by Ferrari technique however had sufficient within the tank to maintain on Leclerc’s heels proper to the chequered flag.
