The 2026 FIA Formula One World Championship roars to life at Albert Park in Melbourne, with the Australian Grand Prix launching the season on Thursday, March 5. All eyes are on Mercedes’ George Russell, who comes in as the clear betting favourite after his team crushed it in pre-season testing.
Still, Russell isn’t letting the hype get to his head. The new 2026 rules have completely shaken things up with active aerodynamics, a true 50/50 power split between electric and combustion engines. It’s a total reset, and even the front-runners are feeling the pressure.
‘Red Bull Looked Suspiciously Slow’: George Russell
George isn’t shy about sharing his thoughts before the season opener. He’s openly questioned whether anyone really knows who’s fastest right now. Mercedes and Ferrari looked strong in Bahrain, but the Britisher thinks teams are still holding something back. For him, the real threats in Melbourne are clear: the reigning world champion and Ferrari’s top driver. Those are the guys everyone’s chasing.
“I think Red Bull looked suspiciously slow in the second test. Based on our numbers, they went seven tenths slower compared to themselves in the second test. I’m struggling to wrap my head around how they’ve lost seven tenths in a week.”
The Aus GP commute 🇦🇺😁 pic.twitter.com/x0PdUEYGhq
— Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team (@MercedesAMGF1) March 5, 2026
F1 Australia 2026: George Russell Pinpoints Max Verstappen And Charles Leclerc As Main Threats
“I would say Max and Leclerc. Red Bull have exceeded everybody’s expectations with their engine, so naturally Max will be in the fight. Ferrari also look very strong.”
