After a stunning pole position on Saturday, George Russell had a relatively straightforward run on Sunday as well, securing his first win of the 2026 season and the sixth of his Formula 1 career.

Both Mercedes drivers struggled off the line, as many had anticipated, while the Ferraris launched brilliantly. Leclerc immediately grabbed the lead of the race, with Hamilton also getting ahead of Antonelli in the opening metres.

The Monegasque then did an excellent job of fending off Russell’s attacks during the early stages, with the two putting on an entertaining battle at the front featuring several overtakes and counterattacks.

The race turned on lap 11, however, when the Virtual Safety Car was deployed following Hadjar’s retirement. Mercedes seized the opportunity to bring both cars in for a double pit stop, while Ferrari decided to keep its drivers out on track - a call that ultimately failed to pay off.

Starting from 16th on the grid, the Argentine driver made an excellent launch and immediately began gaining positions in the opening metres. As the pack compressed on the run down to Turn 1, however, he suddenly found himself approaching Lawson’s Racing Bulls.

The New Zealander had lined up eighth on the grid but failed to get off the line cleanly, leaving his car almost stationary as the field accelerated around him. With little time to react, the Argentine was forced into a split-second evasive move to avoid the slowing car ahead. He managed to dart to the right at the last moment, narrowly avoiding what could have been a heavy collision at the start of the race.

Both drivers were able to continue and eventually reached the chequered flag. Neither, however, managed to score points, while their respective teammates crossed the line in eighth and tenth place.