Mercedes strike first in 2026 qualifying
The first qualifying session of the new Formula 1 era confirmed what many expected after testing. Mercedes looks like the team to beat, at least at the start of the 2026 season. At Albert Park it was George Russell who took the first pole position of the year with a lap of 1:18.518, leading a Mercedes front row together with Kimi Antonelli. The gap to the rest of the field was already significant, almost eight tenths to the first non Mercedes car. Antonelli’s day was not easy. After a crash in FP3 his mechanics managed to rebuild the car just in time for qualifying, and the young Italian rewarded them with second place on the grid.
Behind the two Mercedes came an impressive Isack Hadjar, third with Red Bull in his first qualifying with the team. Charles Leclerc placed the first Ferrari in fourth position ahead of the two McLarens of Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris, while Lewis Hamilton will start seventh. In the midfield there were good signs from Racing Bulls, with Liam Lawson and the Swedish heritage Arvid Lindblad qualifying eighth and ninth.
Audi also showed encouraging pace with Gabriel Bortoleto completing the top ten. The first big drama of the new season came already in Q1. Max Verstappen lost the rear of his Red Bull at Turn 1 and crashed into the wall, ending his session immediately and leaving the four time world champion at the back of the grid. The difficult start to the season continues for Aston Martin, while new team Cadillac managed to place both cars on the grid with Sergio Perez and Finnish driver Valtteri Bottas as they continue learning in their first Formula 1 weekend. It is only the first qualifying of a completely new technical era, but the first message from Melbourne is quite clear. Right now Mercedes has the advantage.
Qualifying Results – Australian GP 2026
1. George Russell (Mercedes) 1:18.518
2. Kimi Antonelli (Mercedes) +0.293
3. Isack Hadjar (Red Bull) +0.785
4. Charles Leclerc (Ferrari) +0.809
5. Oscar Piastri (McLaren) +0.862
6. Lando Norris (McLaren) +0.957
7. Lewis Hamilton (Ferrari) +0.960
8. Liam Lawson (Racing Bulls) +1.476
9. Arvid Lindblad (Racing Bulls) +2.729
10. Gabriel Bortoleto (Audi)
11. Nico Hulkenberg (Audi) 1:20.303
12. Oliver Bearman (Haas) 1:20.311
13. Esteban Ocon (Haas) 1:20.491
14. Pierre Gasly (Alpine) 1:20.501
15. Alexander Albon (Williams) 1:20.941
16. Franco Colapinto (Alpine) 1:21.270
17. Fernando Alonso (Aston Martin) 1:21.969
18. Sergio Perez (Cadillac) 1:22.605
19. Valtteri Bottas (Cadillac) 1:23.244
20. Max Verstappen (Red Bull) No time
21. Carlos Sainz (Williams) No time
22. Lance Stroll (Aston Martin) No time
Written by: Marco Rimola