Formula 1, Sportrik Media - Charles Leclerc highlighted what he described as a “cheeky” decision from the FIA Formula 1 starter after the lights went out unusually quickly at the beginning of the 2026 Australian Grand Prix at Albert Park, Melbourne. The Ferrari driver admitted the moment caught several drivers by surprise on the opening start of the season.
Leclerc began the race from fourth on the grid but produced a strong launch to seize the lead into the first corner. The Monegasque driver managed to out-brake pole sitter George Russell into Turn 1, immediately placing himself at the front during the early phase of the race.
A close battle then unfolded between Leclerc and Russell during the opening stint before race strategy ultimately shifted the outcome. Ferrari opted not to pit Leclerc during two Virtual Safety Car periods, a decision that eventually allowed the two Mercedes drivers to gain a strategic advantage as the race progressed.
Despite losing the opportunity to challenge for victory, Leclerc managed to hold on to third place, securing Ferrari’s first podium result of the 2026 Formula 1 season. The race also unfolded under the sport’s new technical framework, where energy deployment and battery management play a key role in overtaking and defensive battles.
“It was a very, very tricky race,” Leclerc said.
“At the start we didn’t really know what to expect with the fights and the energy management. It becomes even more difficult when overtaking or defending.”
“You don’t really know when the engine or battery will give full power on the straight, so when defending there can be huge speed differences.”
“Unfortunately that didn’t help us for the rest of the race, but the first part was fun. P3 was the best we could do today.”
Leclerc also addressed the revised Formula 1 start procedure introduced for 2026, designed to allow the turbo to build sufficient energy following the removal of the MGU-H from the power unit.
“I think the person who switches off the lights was quite cheeky,” Leclerc added.
“For the first start of the season with these cars, to have the lights go out so quickly surprised everybody. We are always very close to the limits with the power units.”
“It probably played a little bit into our hands, but that’s part of the game.”
The podium result in Melbourne provides Ferrari with a solid start to the 2026 campaign, although the strategic decisions during the Virtual Safety Car phases ultimately limited the team’s chances of challenging Mercedes for victory ahead of the next round of the championship.
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