Charles Leclerc took a dominant victory in the Australian Grand Prix to move into a commanding position in the World Championship.
The Ferrari driver was in total control of the race when his main rival Max Verstappen retired with a technical failure on his Red Bull at two-thirds distance.
Verstappen is 46 points – almost two clear wins – behind Leclerc after just three races of the season, in two of which the Red Bull has failed to finish.
Red Bull’s Sergio Perez was second after winning battles with Mercedes drivers George Russell and Lewis Hamilton.
Remarkably, in the context of Mercedes’ disappointing start to the season, Russell is second in the drivers’ championship at this early stage and Mercedes second in the constructors’ chase.
Can ‘controlled’ Leclerc be caught by misfiring rivals?
‘Crazy’ to be second in championship – Russell
Australian Grand Prix as it happened
Chequered Flag podcast: Australian Grand Prix review
Full race result
Ferrari in total control
