Russell traded the lead with Ferrari rival Charles Leclerc five times during a frenetic start.

The British driver, 28, arrived for the new campaign in Melbourne as the bookmakers’ favourite.

The British driver set a new record around the streets of Monte Carlo to beat local hero Charles Leclerc to pole by 0.109 seconds.

The pair were involved in a spat at last weekend’s Qatar Grand Prix.

Hamilton’s Mercedes career will come to an end on Sunday.

Hamilton endured a torrid weekend in his penultimate race for the Silver Arrows.

Russell took the third win of his career under the Las Vegas lights.

Championship leader Max Verstappen will start sixth on the grid in Baku.

Hamilton finished 0.093 seconds ahead of teammate George Russell in the last tune-up before qualifying in Italy.

Mercedes cling on to second place in the constructors’ championship.

Verstappen was imperious around the high-speed corner circuit at Suzuka.