Engine issues for Lawson at Australian GP

Liam Lawson and teammate Arvind Lindblad had very different Australian Grand Prix PHOTO: VISA CASH APP RACING BULLS

A Mercedes one-two as George Russell has led home teammate Kimi Antonelli for the race win at Formula 1's Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne.

Charles Leclerc claimed third from Lewis Hamilton in Ferrari's as the lead was traded between the quartet throughout the race in fine conditions.

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Lawson qualifies 8th Australian GP

Multiple world champion Max Verstappen made his way from 20th to finish sixth

New Zealand's Liam Lawson started eighth on the grid, but finished in 13th after at one stage dropping as low as 20th. He appeared to stall at the start of the race.

He had previously said that he was surprised the car had done so well in qualifying and had voiced concerns about the battery in the car.

Even on the formation lap he stated his car was not charging but was told it would be okay.

Lawson's rookie teammate Arvind Lindblad went from ninth on the grid to finish eighth in his first drive in F1.

It wasn't a great day for driver s from Australasia with Oscar Piastri crashing out of his home race prior to the start.