F1: Charles Leclerc wins Australian Grand Prix as Max Verstappen fails to finish after smelling ‘weird fluid’ and stopping car
- Flawless Ferrari driver leads from start to finish at Albert Park, but world champion Verstappen pulls over on lap 39
- Red Bull’s Sergio Perez second with George Russell an encouraging third for struggling Mercedes
A flawless Charles Leclerc led from start to finish to steer his Ferrari to an action-packed win at the Australian Grand Prix on Sunday with world champion Max Verstappen failing to finish.
The world championship leader from Monaco started from pole, held his position at the first corner and never looked back, scorching around the 58-lap Albert Park circuit to take the chequered flag by a massive 20.5 seconds.
Red Bull’s Sergio Perez was second with George Russell an encouraging third for the struggling Mercedes and his seven-time world champion teammate Lewis Hamilton fourth.
“It’s amazing, the car was incredible today. What a race and what a pace today,” said Leclerc after clocking a fourth career win and second of the season.
“Honestly, what a car today. I did a good job all weekend but it’s not possible without the car. I’m just so happy.