Mercedes and McLaren are now tied on top of the constructors’ standings with 27 points after race 1, thanks to a reverse decision that affected Antonelli’s points and finish.

The 18-year-old was penalised five seconds by stewards over what they claimed was a pit violation, but Mercedes appealed the decision and provided back-up footage of the incident that was unavailable at the time of judgement.

Antonelli, who was initially awarded a P5 finish, behind Alex Albon, was given back the P4 position and 12 points. Albon was demoted to P5 and 10 points, a stellar start for the Thai racer nonetheless.

If Antonelli and Russell can be backed up with a car as fast and sticky as the W16 performed in Australia, they may just give McLaren a run for their money at this weekend’s Chinese Grand Prix in Shanghai.

Liam Lawson: a different kind of speed

If there is another rookie to give Antonelli a fair fight this season, it’s Liam Lawson in the Red Bull Honda.

Lawson suffered an early retirement due to car failure, which the team said was no fault of his.

He had a difficult first weekend in Albert Park, crashing the car on Turn 2 last Sunday.

However, in the time he spent out during the race, Lawson posted the second fastest lap of the day behind Lando Norris, and ahead of his teammate Max Verstappen.

Red Bull CEO Christian Horner said an error on the team’s part was likely to blame for his misfortune.

Horner backed Lawson to show his worth in China on Sunday.

“We changed the car to put a bit more downforce on the car. It’s a very hard track to overtake at.

“We took a risk of leaving him out longer because he was out of the points, and we thought, ‘You know what, roll the dice and maybe it will come right’ at exactly the point it started to rain more, so it’s difficult to blame him for that last bit,” Horner said.

Next stop, Shanghai

Both rookies have been given the opportunity to show their talent and grit behind the wheel of two extremely quick machines this season. It’s no McLaren, but it’s quick enough to win a race and fend off some papaya bombs.

With China next on the calendar, Antonelli and Lawson will be looking to make bold statements early on, with a significant amount of pressure on the latter following a retirement on debut.

Antonelli said the P4 finish in Melbourne was a good confidence-booster, but is staying focused for the changes ahead in Shanghai.

There is only one practice session before the qualifying sprint in Shanghai.

“It’s a new format, definitely different compared to Melbourne, so it’s going to be important to be on top of it straightaway,” Antonelli said.

“Melbourne was a good boost of confidence. I think I was a little bit too tense, especially when it was time for qualifying.

“Now, I definitely feel a lot more relaxed and a lot more in control of the situation. There is lots to learn, but I’m looking forward to this weekend.”