The 24-year-old Monegasque driving for Ferrari extended his lead in the drivers' championship standings after claiming a dominant victory in Melbourne's Albert Park Circuit.
The Mexican veteran benefitted from late-race issues involving title contenders Verstappen and Hamilton to claim his first Grand Prix victory of the season.
With new names on the grid, new stakes on the line and a new start on the horizon for all teams, the 2021 FIA Formula One World Championship season is hours away from commencing.