George Russell emerges from early chaos to win Australian Grand Prix

Russell laid down a significant maker in his world championship bid.

George Russell takes the chequered flag in Australia (Heath McKinley/AP)

George Russell overcame a chaotic start to Formula One’s new era to win the season-opening Australian Grand Prix and lay down a significant maker in his world championship bid.

Russell traded the lead with Charles Leclerc on six occasions inside a wild first nine laps at Melbourne’s Albert Park before a Ferrari strategy blunder allowed the British driver to race off into the sunset.