George Russell Favoured for F1 Australian GP 2026, Verstappen Backed

Formula 1, Sportrik Media - George Russell has emerged as the leading favourite to win the Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix 2026 after securing pole position at Albert Park, Melbourne, while Max Verstappen has received unexpected backing from fans despite starting from the back of the grid.

The Mercedes driver will lead the field into Turn 1 alongside team-mate Kimi Antonelli, giving the German team a front-row lockout for the opening round of the 2026 season. Behind them, Red Bull Racing driver Isack Hadjar and Ferrari driver Charles Leclerc will start from the second row.

The third row is occupied by both McLaren drivers, with Oscar Piastri edging ahead of reigning world champion Lando Norris. Meanwhile, Ferrari’s second driver, Lewis Hamilton, will start from seventh on the grid.

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In a poll conducted by RacingNews365 ahead of the race, a strong majority of Formula 1 fans selected Russell as the most likely winner of the Melbourne event. His dominant qualifying performance and Mercedes’ pace throughout the weekend have positioned him as the clear favourite heading into the season-opening race.

However, the poll also produced a surprising outcome. Verstappen, who crashed during Q1 and will start from 20th position, was voted the second most likely driver to win the race by fans.

The result reflects the confidence many supporters still place in the four-time world champion’s ability to recover through the field. Albert Park’s street-circuit characteristics, combined with the potential for Safety Car interruptions and strategic variation, could create opportunities for drivers starting further down the order.

Although Russell enters the race as the strongest candidate for victory based on grid position and qualifying pace, the unpredictable nature of racing at Albert Park means the outcome of the 2026 Australian Grand Prix remains open as the Formula 1 season begins.