Crash GP in Melbourne: Verstappen wins amid historic chaos

Three red flags, crossing the finish line behind the safety car: World Champion Verstappen stopped his Australian curse in a memorable and highly controversial race. The Dutchman did not allow himself to be deterred by the attacks of his rivals and historic three race interruptions at the Grand Prix in Melbourne on Sunday and is heading for his third world title in a row in his superior Red Bull early in the season.

The 25-year-old's first victory Down Under will be remembered primarily for the chaotic circumstances towards the end of the race. Record champion Lewis Hamilton came second in the Mercedes, Fernando Alonso came third in the Aston Martin. There had been a restart with one lap to go. Several cars flew off the track in the turbulent finale, causing the race to be interrupted again. Ultimately, the race management decided that the Grand Prix would be finished behind the safety car. The line-up at the last restart was used for the result, only the eliminated drivers were taken out.

Turbulent start to the Australian GP The start of the race was turbulent. Because last year's winner Charles Leclerc flew off into the gravel in his Ferrari after coming into contact with Lance Stroll's Aston Martin and remained stranded, the safety car drove onto the track early. Alexander Albon crashed his Williams into the barrier after a driving error. The safety car came onto the track for the second time. The accident caused the track to become so dirty that the Grand Prix had to be interrupted for around 15 minutes with a red flag.

And that was bitter for leader Russell: Before the compulsory break, the Brit had driven into the pits to change tires and thus fell behind. But things got even worse for Russell: he retired on the 18th of 58 laps after his engine burst into flames. At the front, Verstappen controlled the pace and kept the field at a distance. Hamilton had no chance of catching up and had to defend himself against the 41-year-old Alonso, who made it to the podium for the third time in a row with his new team.

Shortly before the end, the Dane Kevin Magnussen had an accident in the Haas in which he lost a tire on the 55th lap. The race had to be stopped again due to the clean-up work - and with only one lap left to go there was another standing start. This was completely chaotic and resulted in several accidents.

Melbourne GP: The result Pos Name racing team 1. Max Verstappen Red Bull 2. Lewis Hamilton Mercedes 3. Fernando Alonso Aston Martin 4. Lance stroll Aston Martin 5. Sergio Perez Red Bull 6. Lando Norris McLaren 7. Nico Hulkenberg Haas 8. Oscar piastri McLaren 9. Guanyu-Zhou Alfa Romeo 10. Yuki tsunoda Alpha tauri

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Crash GP in Melbourne: Verstappen wins amid historic chaos

This is not how Max Verstappen had imagined his first victory in Australia. The race in Melbourne will be remembered for a long time. The race management is once again ensuring maximum conversation.

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