Welcome to Express Sport's LIVE coverage of the start of the Formula 1 season which got underway today in Australia with george Russell taking maximum points at the Albert Park Circuit. The Mercedes driver finished in first place with teammate Kimi Antonelli finishing in second place, with Ferrari's Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton in third and fourth place.

Defending world champion Lando Norris finished the race in fifth but his teammate Oscar Piastri crashed out on the formation lap in his home race to cap off a disappointing weekend. The new regulations have caused plenty of debate among the drivers, but they made for a fascinating race with Red Bull's Max Verstappen fighting from 20th to claim sixth place.

Here, you can follow all the latest news and reaction in our live blog below.

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