Formula 1, Sportrik Media - George Russell secured pole position for the 2026 Australian Grand Prix after leading a front-row lockout for Mercedes alongside team-mate Kimi Antonelli at Albert Park. The Mercedes duo dominated qualifying for the season-opening race of Formula 1’s new era, finishing nearly eight-tenths of a second clear of the closest rival.
Third place on the grid will be occupied by Isack Hadjar for Red Bull Racing, followed by Charles Leclerc representing Ferrari. Home driver Oscar Piastri lines up fifth for McLaren, just ahead of his team-mate and reigning world champion Lando Norris.
Lewis Hamilton will start seventh for Ferrari, while further down the order four-time world champion Max Verstappen will begin the race from 20th after crashing in Q1 following a car-related issue.
The grid remains provisional until officially confirmed by the FIA.
Full Starting Grid – 2026 F1 Australian Grand Prix
| Position | Driver | Team |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | George Russell | Mercedes |
| 2 | Kimi Antonelli | Mercedes |
| 3 | Isack Hadjar | Red Bull |
| 4 | Charles Leclerc | Ferrari |
| 5 | Oscar Piastri | McLaren |
| 6 | Lando Norris | McLaren |
| 7 | Lewis Hamilton | Ferrari |
| 8 | Liam Lawson | Racing Bulls |
| 9 | Arvid Lindblad | Racing Bulls |
| 10 | Gabriel Bortoleto | Audi |
| 11 | Nico Hulkenberg | Audi |
| 12 | Oliver Bearman | Haas |
| 13 | Esteban Ocon | Haas |
| 14 | Pierre Gasly | Alpine |
| 15 | Alex Albon | Williams |
| 16 | Franco Colapinto | Alpine |
| 17 | Fernando Alonso | Aston Martin |
| 18 | Sergio Perez | Cadillac |
| 19 | Valtteri Bottas | Cadillac |
| 20 | Max Verstappen | Red Bull |
| 21 | Carlos Sainz | Williams |
| 22 | Lance Stroll | Aston Martin |
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