Max Verstappen wins the chaotic Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne that saw eight cars drop out…with Lewis Hamilton taking an invaluable second place as Red Bull continue their dominance
- Max Verstappen won again in a very dramatic race in Melbourne
- Eight cars were forced off, while three red flags were flown across the race
- Lewis Hamilton finished second while Fernando Alonso took the podium
Max Verstappen won Sunday’s exciting and accident-packed Australian Grand Prix that saw George Russell forced to retire after his car caught fire.
Russell took an early lead with Hamilton right behind him after a poor start from Verstappen, before Alex Albon caused the first red flag of the race when he crashed.
Verstappen overtook the pair before Russell had to retire, then Kevin Magnussen caused a second red flag when he hit the wall and lost a rear tyre.
This caused a sprint two-lap finish, but the third restart of the race caused more drama as Fernando Alonso and Carlos Sainz collided, meaning the Spaniard dropped to 11th – while Esteban Ocon, Pierre Gasly, Nyck de Vries and Logan Sargent crashed.
However, because the lap did not go past the first sector, the FIA decided to restart the race in order from before that third start, meaning Verstappen came out on top, with Hamilton and Alonso leading.
To add to the drama, Sainz was awarded a five-second penalty, which meant he dropped from fourth to twelfth.
More to track
Max Verstappen won the Australian Grand Prix in a dramatic race at Melbourne’s Albert Park
There was a lot of drama and tension with George Russell’s retirement after his car caught fire
