Categories: Sports

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

The Australian Grand Prix saw George Russell win the opening race of the 2026 Formula 1 season for Mercedes in Melbourne. His teammate Kimi Antonelli finished second, giving the Silver Arrows a dominant one-two finish. Charles Leclerc placed third while Lewis Hamilton came fourth for Scuderia Ferrari. The Italian manufacturers briefly led the pack of Albert Park early but lost the race after not pitting during a Virtual Safety Car. On the other hand, defending champion Lando Norris finished fifth, his teammate and home driver Oscar Piastri suffered heartbreak after crashing his McLaren car on the way to the grid and could not start the race. Meanwhile, Max Verstappen recovered from 20th place to finish sixth. Rookie Arvid Lindblad driving for the Racing Bulls impressed with eighth on his debut F1 Grand Prix race. Let's relive the F1 Australian Grand Prix 2026 in pics below

Published by Uzma Fatima

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.

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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.

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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.

Lewis Hamilton Australian Grand Prix 2026 AFP

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.

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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.

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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.

Lando Norris Australian Grand Prix 2026 AFP

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.

Arvind Lindblad Australian Grand Prix 2026 Racing Bulls AFP

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.