Australian Grand Prix AS IT HAPPENED: Mercedes claims perfect start over Ferrari as George Russell wins; Oscar Piastri apologises for pre-race crash

Thanks for tuning into Wide World of Sports' LIVE coverage of the Melbourne Grand Prix.

A thrilling start to the season but not for Oscar Piastri.

There'll no doubt be more to come on the fallout.

READ MORE HERE.

George Russell lifts the Sir Jack Brabham replica steering wheel.

The fans are all starting to race towards the podium now with the gates open.

Looks at all those Oscar Piastri hats.

The podium winners were all there to talk on the broadcast.

George Russell said he was "feeling incredible" after victory.

"It was a hell of a fight in the beginning," he said.

"We knew it was going to be challenging. I got on the grid and saw my battery level had nothing in the tank, made a bad start and obviously had some really tight battles with Charles (Leclerc).

"I was really glad to cross the finish line ... I couldn't start off in a better way."

Well clearly Glenn Maxwell doesn't get the same privileges as Pat Cummins with a grid spot.

But there he is in the crowd as George Russell won.

George Russell is stoked!

"Wooo! Very nice, very nice. I like this car, I like this great engine. Great job," he said.

His team replied: "That'll be the star on the front."

He started in first and finishes first!

George Russell is the winner and starts 2026 brilliantly.

Kimi Antonelli places second for Mercedes. Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton are third and fourth for Ferrari.

Can Mercedes make history?

They haven't had a one-two finish since 1955 without Lewis Hamilton driving, according to Sky Sports.

Hamilton of course left Mercedes for Ferrari in 2024 after a long stint at the iconic team.