In Pics | Australian Grand Prix 2026: George Russell Leads Mercedes 1-2 Victory in Melbourne

1.)  George Russell won the Australian Grand Prix 2026 for Mercedes after an early battle with Charles Leclerc. The Brit controlled the race after the pit strategy phase and secured his sixth career and maiden Albert Park victory. 

2.) Kimi Antonelli recovered from a difficult start to finish second for Mercedes. The Italian rookie helped the Silver Arrows secure a dominant one-two finish in the opening race of the 2026 season.

3.) Lewis Hamilton finished fourth in Melbourne and is still waiting for his first podium with Ferrari. The seven-time world champion finished just behind teammate Charles Leclerc.

4.) Max Verstappen climbed from 20th on the grid to finish sixth after crashing in qualifying. The Red Bull driver delivered one of the strongest recovery drives of the race.

5.) Australian driver Oscar Piastri did not start the race after crashing his McLaren on the way to the grid. The home favourite suffered heartbreak before the race even began.

6.) Isack Hadjar was running strongly in fourth place for Red Bull before his car broke down on lap 11. The retirement triggered a Virtual Safety Car that later proved crucial in shaping the race strategy. The Red Bull newcomer started the race from P3 after a stunning performance at the Qualifying. 

7.) Lando Norris finished fifth for McLaren after running in the second group behind Mercedes and Ferrari. He won the midfield battle ahead of Red Bull.

8.) The 18-year-old Arvid Lindblad finished eighth for Racing Bulls on his F1 debut. The rookie became one of the youngest drivers to score points in his first race.

Formula 1 now moves to the Chinese Grand Prix in Shanghai, the second round of the 2026 season. The race weekend will take place 13–15 March at the Shanghai International Circuit and will also feature the first Sprint weekend of the year. Drivers will compete in a shorter Sprint race on Saturday before the main Grand Prix on Sunday.