AP
Australia F1 GP Auto Racing
Race fans react ahead of the Australian Formula One Grand Prix at Albert Park, in Melbourne, Australia, Sunday, March 8, 2026.
As featured on
George Russell wins a dramatic season-opening Australian Grand Prix, and Mercedes seals a 1-2 with Kimi Antonelli. Mercedes says this was its 132nd GP victory overall and 61st 1-2 finish. Ferrari's Charles Leclerc jumps into the lead at the first corner and then trades positions with pole sitter Russell. On lap 12, a virtual safety car comes out after Isack Hadjar stops on track. Mercedes pits both cars and gains an edge. Leclerc finishes third as Ferrari’s slow reaction during the yellow flags cost the team. Lewis Hamilton takes fourth. Oscar Piastri crashes before the start and misses his home race.
