Mercedes 'have a fight on our hands’ with Ferrari – Wolff

Mercedes delivered an emphatic start to the 2026 Formula 1 season at the Australian Grand Prix, with George Russell securing a dominant victory and teammate Kimi Antonelli finishing a strong second, marking a 1-2 finish for the Brackley squad. Team Principal Toto Wolff declared "Mercedes are back," expressing immense satisfaction after a period of struggle. Russell had initially claimed pole position, lining up alongside Antonelli, with a significant eight-tenths advantage over third-placed Isack Hadjar. Although both drivers lost positions at the start—Russell battling Ferrari's Charles Leclerc for the lead and Antonelli dropping back—they expertly recovered to claim the top two steps of the podium. Wolff is optimistic about their championship prospects, acknowledging the fierce competition expected from Ferrari, whose drivers Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton finished third and fourth respectively. Despite Ferrari's strong starts and initial pace, an alternative tyre strategy ultimately limited their challenge, setting the stage for an exciting rivalry this season.