F1 Drivers Stunned by Near Miss at Australian Grand Prix
George Russell’s dominant win at the Australian Grand Prix wasn’t the only talking point from the race. A previously unseen moment involving Franco Colapinto and Liam Lawson left Russell, Kimi Antonelli and Charles Leclerc visibly shaken while reviewing race highlights in the cool-down room.
Dramatic Start to the New Era
The 2026 Australian Grand Prix saw George Russell take the chequered flag, finishing 2.9 seconds ahead of teammate Kimi Antonelli, with Charles Leclerc completing the podium. However, a near-miss during the start of the race quickly became a focal point of discussion.
Colapinto’s Quick Thinking Avoids Collision
Alpine driver Franco Colapinto faced a terrifying situation as he launched off the starting grid, encountering a slow-moving VCARB of Liam Lawson. Colapinto’s quick reflexes and skillful maneuvering averted a potentially disastrous collision. The incident was not initially broadcast during the live race coverage.
“I almost had a massive crash with Liam as he got stuck on the grid, and I was really lucky to receive through lap one,” Colapinto stated after the race. He also noted the inherent dangers of the new cars, describing the situation as “very dangerous and quite sketchy.”
Podium Reactions Reveal the Severity
The dramatic moment was shown to Russell, Antonelli, and Leclerc in the cool-down room. Russell, mid-drink, nearly jumped out of his seat, while Leclerc and Antonelli also appeared visibly surprised by the close call. The drivers’ reactions underscored the severity of the incident.
Mercedes Dominance at Albert Park
Russell’s victory marked a strong start to the season for Mercedes, securing a one-two finish. Leclerc, driving for Ferrari, finished in third place. The race also saw Max Verstappen recover from a 20th-place start to finish sixth.
Oscar Piastri’s Early Exit
The race wasn’t without its setbacks. Oscar Piastri crashed his McLaren into the barrier on the way to the grid, ending his race before it began.
FAQ
What caused the near-miss between Colapinto and Lawson?
Liam Lawson’s car became stuck on the grid as Colapinto launched from the starting line, creating a dangerous situation.
Who won the Australian Grand Prix?
George Russell of Mercedes won the race.
What was the reaction of the drivers to the incident?
George Russell, Kimi Antonelli, and Charles Leclerc were all visibly stunned when watching the replay of the near-miss.
What did Franco Colapinto say about the incident?
Colapinto stated he was “really lucky” to avoid a crash and described the situation as “very dangerous and quite sketchy.”
Did Oscar Piastri finish the race?
No, Piastri crashed before the race even started.
Where did Max Verstappen finish?
Max Verstappen finished in sixth place after starting in 20th.
What was notable about the Mercedes team’s performance?
Mercedes achieved a one-two finish with George Russell and Kimi Antonelli.
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