Russell opened the new Formula 1 season with a dominant victory, a double celebration for Mercedes in Australia

After months of anticipation, testing and speculation, the new era of Formula 1 has officially begun with a spectacle at the Albert Park circuit. The 2026 Australian Grand Prix brought everything the fans had hoped for: suspense, overtaking and strategic drama that shaped the order until the very end. In the end, it was George Russell who emerged victorious, celebrating ahead of team-mate Kimi Antonelli, thus ensuring a perfect start to the season for Mercedes with a double win. The Ferrari duo of Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton had to settle for third and fourth in a thrilling race.

You can watch a short video overview of all the events of today’s race here.

Thriller at the start – Leclerc and Russell in the fight for the lead

Although Russell started from the best position, the start of the race went to Charles Leclerc. The Ferrari driver made a fantastic start from fourth place and took the lead in the first corner, hinting that Mercedes will not have an easy task. An exciting battle between Russell and Leclerc followed, in which the roles of the leader changed seven times in the first nine laps. Drivers tested the limits of the new cars and complex energy management systems, resulting in a series of “yo-yo” overtaking in which speed differences on the flats changed drastically. Russell would overtake Leclerc, only for the Monegasque to hit back just a few corners or a lap later, using electric power in a smarter way. Lewis Hamilton also joined the fray, pressing the leading duo and waiting for his chance, making the opening laps one of the most exciting in the recent history of the sport.

Ferrari’s strategic gamble did not pay off

The race was broken on lap 11, when Red Bull driver Isack Hadjar had to park his car at the side of the track due to a technical fault, prompting a virtual safety car (VSC) period. Mercedes’ strategic team reacted swiftly and called both of their drivers, Russell and Antonelli, into the pits for a tire change. On the other hand, Ferrari took a gamble and left Leclerc and Hamilton on the track, hoping it would give them an advantage. That decision turned out to be wrong. When, not long after, the second VSC, caused by Valtteri Bottas’ stop in the Cadillac, again offered an opportunity, Ferrari stayed on the track again.

When Leclerc and Hamilton eventually had to pit under normal race conditions, they lost too much time and crucial track position. The Mercedes drivers returned to the top and, despite the older tires, managed to execute the one-stop strategy masterfully. Russell controlled the pace until the end and crossed the finish line 2.9 seconds ahead of Antonelli, while the Ferrari duo did not have enough speed to threaten them. “Ferrari surrendered track position and thus lost control of the race. That was a key moment,” Sky Sports expert Martin Brundle analyzed the situation.

Verstappen’s recovery and disappointment for the local hero

Behind the top four, drama unfolded across the order. Reigning world champion Lando Norris finished fifth for McLaren, but the Woking team had mixed feelings. Their second driver and local hero, Oscar Piastri, experienced a real nightmare when on the way to the starting grid his car spun and damaged, which is why he could not even start his home race in front of a disappointed crowd. The most impressive breakthrough of the day was made by Max Verstappen, who after a crash in qualifying started from 20th place, but with a great drive made it all the way to sixth position. Points were also won by Oliver Bearman in Haas, debutant Arvid Lindblad for Racing Bulls, Gabriel Bortoleto in his debut race for Audi and Pierre Gasly, who brought Alpine the last point.

The first race of the new era confirmed that Mercedes have done an outstanding job in preparation this season, but Ferrari showed they have the speed to fight. It could be an exciting season, with the next stop being the Chinese Grand Prix in two weeks.

Final standings of the 2026 Australian Grand Prix.

1. George Russell (Mercedes) – 25 points
2. Kimi Antonelli (Mercedes) – 18 points
3. Charles Leclerc (Ferrari) – 15 points
4. Lewis Hamilton (Ferrari) – 12 points
5. Lando Norris (McLaren) – 10 points
6. Max Verstappen (Red Bull Racing) – 8 points
7. Oliver Bearman (Haas) – 6 points
8. Arvid Lindblad (Racing Bulls) – 4 boda
9. Gabriel Bortoleto (Audi) – 2 boda
10. Pierre Gasly (Alpine) – 1 bod
11. Esteban Ocon (Haas)
12. Alexander Albon (Williams)
13. Liam Lawson (Racing Bulls)
14. Franco Colapinto (Alpine)
15. Carlos Sainz (Williams)
16. Sergio Perez (Cadillac)

Odustali: Valterri Bottas (Cadillac), Fernando Alonso (Aston Martin), Oscar Piastri (McLaren), Nico Hulkenberg (Audi)