HIGHLIGHTS: Safety Cars, red flags and high drama Down Under as Verstappen wins in Australia

Max Verstappen's victory in the 2023 Australian Grand Prix was far from straightforward…

The pole-sitter lost the lead on the opening lap as Mercedes' George Russell blazed by but there was drama just behind as Charles Leclerc made contact with Lance Stroll and spun out of the race, bringing out a Safety Car.

Soon after, Williams' Alex Albon crashed out at high speed, bringing out a Safety Car – during which leader Russell pitted – and then a red flag, allowing Mercedes' rivals to take a free stop for tyres.

Verstappen took the lead and Russell's race soon ended with his engine in flames, with team mate Lewis Hamilton seemingly set for second place and Aston Martin's Alonso close by in P3.

That was until Kevin Magnussen hit the wall late in the race to bring out a red flag that would see the 2023 Australian Grand Prix decided in a last-gasp shootout with more carnage to boot.

Watch the highlights of this wild race in the video player above.