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2023 Australian Grand Prix Results

Verstappen Wins Chaotic Race in Melbourne, Hamilton P5

Full Results and Championship Standings

Max Verstappen claimed victory in a dramatic 2023 Australian Grand Prix, surviving two safety car periods and multiple retirements to take the chequered flag. The reigning world champion started second on the grid but took the lead on lap 3 after a chaotic start that saw both Lewis Hamilton and Sebastian Vettel retire from the race. Carlos Sainz Jr. finished second for Ferrari, with his teammate Charles Leclerc completing the podium. George Russell drove brilliantly to come in fourth for Mercedes, with Sergio Perez rounding out the top five for Red Bull.

The race was far from straightforward, with several incidents and retirements adding to the excitement. Fernando Alonso made contact with Pierre Gasly on lap 1, causing both drivers to retire on the spot. On lap 19, the safety car was deployed after Mick Schumacher crashed his Haas at Turn 9. The race was red-flagged on lap 21 after a multi-car pileup involving Valtteri Bottas, Esteban Ocon, and Guanyu Zhou. The race resumed after a 25-minute delay, with Verstappen maintaining his lead despite pressure from Sainz.

The victory marks Verstappen's first Australian Grand Prix win and his third of the 2023 season. The result sees him extend his lead in the drivers' championship to 26 points over Sainz. Leclerc is third, 33 points behind Verstappen. Ferrari leads the constructors' championship with 87 points, ahead of Red Bull on 61 points and Mercedes on 31 points.

Full Results

1. Max Verstappen (Red Bull) 2. Carlos Sainz Jr. (Ferrari) 3. Charles Leclerc (Ferrari) 4. George Russell (Mercedes) 5. Sergio Perez (Red Bull) 6. Lando Norris (McLaren) 7. Nico Hulkenberg (Aston Martin) 8. Zhou Guanyu (Alfa Romeo) 9. Alexander Albon (Williams) 10. Oscar Piastri (Alpine)

Check out the BBC Sport website for full coverage of the race, including detailed statistics, rankings, and championship standings.

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