The Melbourne race had a thrilling start with Racing Bull’s Isack Hadjar out on the formation lap, and Alpine’s Jack Doohan and Williams’ Carlos Sainz crashing out on the opening lap.

Liam Lawson has succumbed in his first full race with Red Bull as wet conditions wrought havoc on Formula One’s Australian Grand Prix.

However, the wet weather threw the Australian GP into chaos as Piastri slipped onto the grass and tumbled down the order, as Verstappen clinched P2 and George Russell crept up onto the final step of the podium.