Charles Leclerc continued his sensational start to the 2022 F1 season with a first placed finish in the Australian Grand Prix. The Ferrari driver now has two top finishes in three races, and was also named the driver of the day.
Melbourne hosted its first Grand Prix in over 1,100 days – and the changes over all this time have been quite stark. The way the cars look and feel has been transformed into something completely new. And, the benefactors from the change are also fresh in the top spots.
Sergio Perez from Red Bull finished behind Charles Leclerc, with Mercedes driver George Russell taking third spot.
Australian Grand Prix: Verstappen fails to finish, Hamilton fourth
The defending F1 champion failed to finish the race, as he feared his car had caught fire. Max Verstappen has now had to retire in two out of the first three races, and this has resulted in his title hopes taking a big blow even though we are only a few races into the season.
Sebastian Vettel also endured a difficult race, with the former world champion enduring a car crash in the 23rd lap.
Lewis Hamilton was unable to challenge for podium positions since he believed his car would overheat. The Englishman has had a comparatively poor start to the season, but it would be foolish to rule him and Mercedes out of the title race at this point.
Following the Australian Grand Prix, Leclerc leads the table with 71 points while Russell is closest with 37.
