George Russell of Mercedes took the opening win of the 2026 Formula 1 season in Australia, with teammate Andrea Kimi Antonelli finishing second and Charles Leclerc of Ferrari claiming third place on the podium.
The race began in turbulent fashion when Leclerc, starting from joint‑fourth, surged to the front before Russell caught up and passed him. Mercedes benefited from a pit stop under the virtual safety car, a manoeuvre Ferrari missed, giving the Dutch team a decisive edge. Max Verstappen started from 20th, fought his way to sixth, but could not overtake McLaren’s Lando Norris.
In the points standings after the race, Lewis Hamilton (Ferrari), Lando Norris (McLaren), Max Verstappen (Red Bull), Oliver Bearman (Haas) and Arvid Lindblad (Racing Bulls) filled the next positions. Gabriel Bortoleto (Audi) earned two points from ninth place, while Pierre Gasly (Alpine) scored one point from tenth. The only German driver on the grid, Nico Hülkenberg (Audi), was unable to start due to a last‑minute mechanical issue. The next race is scheduled for a week later in China.