Australian GP: Max Verstappen holds off Lewis Hamilton for victory after wild end to chaotic race

Max Verstappen held off Lewis Hamilton to assert a maiden Australian Grand Prix victory after a chaotic race, which completed with a processional safety-car lap following a wild late restart.

Verstappen cruising to a cushty win having reclaimed the lead after shedding out to George Russell and Hamilton throughout a frantic opening, however Kevin Magnussen’s crash and an ensuing second crimson flag of the race arrange a two-lap dash to the end from a standing begin.

The reigning world champion stayed in entrance of Hamilton off the road, earlier than a crash between third-placed Fernando Alonso and Carlos Sainz behind him set off a collection of different collisions, with Alpine team-mates Pierre Gasly and Esteban Ocon taking one another out from points-scoring positions.

A 3rd crimson flag adopted, together with additional confusion and controversy as there was an extended wait earlier than the FIA determined to revive the order from earlier than the restart as a result of the automobiles had not made it far sufficient across the monitor earlier than for the brand new classification to be confirmed earlier than the crimson flag got here out.

That meant that Alonso returned to 3rd, however Sainz was left devastated as a five-second penalty for inflicting the collision noticed him relegated to 12th, leaving Ferrari pointless after Charles Leclerc’s first-lap retirement.

Greater than two and a half hours after the race had begun, Verstappen was left to take the chequered flag unchallenged and full his second win in three races this season, whereas Hamilton secured his first podium of the marketing campaign.

Russell, who had given up the lead when pitting below Security Automotive situations – not anticipating the crimson flag that adopted – when Alex Albon crashed out on lap 6, retired on lap 18 after a technical failure.