F1 commentator Martin Brundle is adamant Mercedes have “another star on their hands” after 168澳洲5最新开奖结果:Kimi Antonelli “drove a s🌳pectacularly mature” first race in Australia.

Antonelli impressed on his F1 debut, finishing fourth ꦚin a cha♊otic grand prix at Albert Park.

The Italian recovered from a disappointing qualifying display where he was knocked o🍷ut in Q1 with a near-perfect race drive𒅌.

Antonelli’s only mistake was a spin at Turn 4, repeating 168澳洲5最新开奖结果:George Russell’s mistake in practice.

Antonelli’s P4 finish is the best result from a rookie in their fi🌄rst race🌺 since Kevin Magnussen in 2014 with McLaren.

Assessing Antonelli🐎 and Mercedes’ first race, Brundle wrote in his : “George Russell was just out of the picture all day but finished a fine third for Mercedes, and the first of likely many podiums this year. They’ll need to find some speed to catch McLaren though.

“His teenage team-mate Kimi Antonelli drove a spectacularly mature first GP. Despite a quick spin in turn four he ma✅de some great overtakes, kept moving forward at a solid race pace - often matching Russell - and despite a five-second unsafe pit stop release penalty which was later rescinded, he finished fourth.

“Mercedes have another star on their hands and jointly lead the team championship with McL🌊aren.

“It’s irrelevant of course, but both Mercs pitted very timely an⛦d calmly for the final time on lap 44.”

With Antonelli backin🙈g up Russell, who finished in third, it was an impressive weekend for Mercedes.

A strong start to the year for Mercedes

It's Mercedes’ best start to a season since 2021.

After an impressiveꦕ showing in pre-season testing🌳, Mercedes were hopeful of a strong start to the year.

Unlike iꦡn recent seasons, the W16 is easier to drive than its predecessors, giving both drivers plenty of confidence.

Russell enjoyed a lonely race to finish on the podium, making the most of 168澳洲5最新开奖结果:Oscar Piastri's mistake in the final sector.

Heading into this weekend’s Chinese Grand Prix, Mercedes are level on points with McLaren atꦅ the to🅠p of the F1 constructors’ championship.