HIGHLIGHTS: Watch the action from the Australian Grand Prix as Russell clinches victory in Mercedes 1-2

George Russell faced fierce competition on his way to securing victory in the Australian Grand Prix, the Mercedes driver beating Kimi Antonelli and Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc to the top spot.

Having started from pole position, the Briton lost out to Leclerc on an eventful opening lap that also saw Lewis Hamilton improve to third place while Antonelli dropped down the order, giving the Scuderia a dream start to the 58-lap race.

A tense battle between Leclerc and Russell ensued, with the lead changing hands an impressive seven times over the first 10 laps, but it was the Mercedes pilot who ultimately came out on top after Ferrari chose an alternative tyre strategy.

While the Silver Arrows pitted under Virtual Safety Car conditions for Isack Hadjar’s stranded Red Bull, Leclerc and Hamilton stayed out and boxed later on, ultimately coming home in P3 and P4 respectively.

Rounding out the top five was reigning World Champion Lando Norris, who was the sole McLaren to start the race after Oscar Piastri crashed while heading to the grid in a devastating end to his home Grand Prix.

Max Verstappen charged from 20th to sixth and crossed the line ahead of Ollie Bearman and rookie Arvid Lindblad, while Gabriel Bortoleto and Pierre Gasly were the last of the points scorers in a race that saw five drivers retire.

Click go on the video player above to watch the highlights from the season-opening Australian Grand Prix.