Mercedes driver George Russell won the opening race of the 2026 Formula 1 season in Australia. He finished first, with his teammate Andrea Kimi Antonelli in second and Charles Leclerc of Ferrari third.
The race opened in chaotic fashion as Leclerc surged from fourth to the front, only to have Russell overtake him again soon after. Mercedes took advantage of a pit stop executed under a virtual safety car, a chance Ferrari missed, giving the team a decisive edge. Max Verstappen, who started from twentieth place, battled his way up to sixth but could not pass Lando Norris in the McLaren.
After the podium, Lewis Hamilton (Ferrari), Lando Norris (McLaren), Max Verstappen (Red Bull), Oliver Bearman (Haas) and Arvid Lindblad (Racing Bulls) were higher in the points standings. Gabriel Bortoleto (Audi) collected two points in ninth place, while Pierre Gasly (Alpine) earned a single point in tenth. The only German driver, Nico Hülkenberg of Audi, was unable to start due to a last‑minute defect. The next race is scheduled to take place in China next week.
