Formula 1, Sportrik Media - The Williams Racing car of Carlos Sainz Jr triggered the first red flag of the 2026 Formula 1 season after stopping at the pit entry during the third practice session of the Australian Grand Prix at Albert Park Circuit.
The Spanish driver lost drive in his FW48 less than 15 minutes into FP3, leaving the car stranded at the pit lane entry and blocking access for other drivers returning to the garages.
Race control initially deployed a virtual safety car and closed the pit entry while marshals assessed the situation. However, the stoppage was later escalated to a red flag, interrupting the session for approximately eight minutes.
The session had already been delayed by around 20 minutes before it began due to barrier repairs at Turn 5. The repairs were required after an incident involving two PREMA drivers during the earlier Formula 3 sprint race, which ultimately led to that event being abandoned.
The latest setback further complicates Sainz’s preparations for the season opener. The Williams FW48 is believed to be heavier than the team’s original development target, and the squad also missed a private shakedown session in Barcelona before pre-season testing in Bahrain.
After the session resumed, rookie Kimi Antonelli moved to the top of the timing sheets for Mercedes-AMG Petronas Formula One Team, ahead of Lewis Hamilton driving for Scuderia Ferrari.
With limited track time remaining ahead of qualifying, the interruption added further pressure for teams seeking final setup adjustments at the opening round of the 2026 Formula 1 season in Melbourne.
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