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Australian GP: Mercedes takes a one-two finish ahead of Ferrari, Hadjar's ordeal

George Russell won the first Grand Prix of the season in Australia, easily dominating the race ahead of his teammate Kimi Antonelli. The Ferrari drivers, who made impressive starts, followed in the standings, while Isack Hadjar was forced to retire.

Published 08/03/2026 à 06:28

Cyprien Juilhard

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Australian GP: Mercedes takes a one-two finish ahead of Ferrari, Hadjar's ordeal

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History will remember that the 2026 season began as the 2025 season had ended: with a duel between Lando Norris et Max Verstappenwho was trying to return to the McLarenExcept that the battle between world champions was no longer for a world title, but for 5th place, which ultimately went to the Briton. Because ahead of them were two significantly faster manufacturers, notably Mercedes Benz, which secured a solid one-two finish with poleman George Russell taking the victory ahead of his teammate Kimi Antonelli.

The Silver Arrows, however, did not run away with it after being thoroughly troubled by the Classic Ferrari for sale at the start of the race. The Reds took advantage of their smaller turbo at the start to leap up from their grid positions. Fourth at the start, Charles Leclerc took the lead ahead of George Russell and the start of the race was enlivened by a great battle between Ferrari and Mercedes.

Ferrari, a galloping start

But the race turned on its head after eleven laps when the engine of the unfortunate Isack Hadjar failed while the Frenchman was still in the top five after his brilliant qualifying performance (3rd). This created a pit stop window which the Mercedes took advantage of, but not the Ferraris, who stayed out on track. This choice proved ineffective and allowed the Silver Arrows to build a significant lead after the Scuderia's pit stop later in the race.


It was ultimately Charles Leclerc who climbed onto the podium, but the Monegasque driver had a close call at the end of the race against the charging back of Lewis HamiltonHe was significantly faster on the second leg. The Briton missed out on his first podium finish in red by just six tenths of a second.

Behind him, Lando Norris therefore maintained his 5th place ahead of Max Verstappen, who made a remarkable recovery after his exit in Q1 (20th on the grid). There was only one Red Bull upon arrival, but also that a McLaren car Oscar piastri was unable to start, having gone off the track during the formation lap which prevented him from starting.

First points for Lindblad and Audi

There were ultimately five retirements with the withdrawals of Nico Hulkenberg and Fernando Alonso. At Aston MartinThe race was used as a full-scale test session: the drivers completed laps before returning to the pits for varying lengths of time to adjust their settings and then rejoin the track. Finally, Lance stroll saw the finish, but 15 laps behind George Russell.

No points for the Greens, nor for Cadillac as expected: Valtteri Bottas retired due to a mechanical problem, while Sergio Pérez finished 16th. The tally also remains at zero for Williams with Albon 12th and Sainz 15th. On the other hand, eight constructors scored in Melbourne, notably Racing Bulls thanks to Arvid Lindblad's first F1 points, a brilliant 8th, behind the Haas Oliver Bearman, still as convincing as ever (7th).

Finally, Gabriel Bortoleto secured his first points for Audi (9th), ahead of theAlpine de Pierre Gasly (10th), who finished the weekend on a positive note. The Norman rider put up a fierce fight against his former teammate Esteban Ocon for most of the race, but the Haas driver ultimately finished 11th, without scoring any points. He will be eager to do better in China next weekend, on a track where he finished fifth last year.

ALSO READ > LIVE – Relive the Australian F1 Grand Prix with live text commentary

F1 – Australian Grand Prix
The classification of the race

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3 Comment (s)

Yves-Henri RANDIER

08/03/2026 at 03:01 a.m.

Little to add to Vincent's comments, except for a precise accounting of overtakes due to overtake and those due to sheer guts, as I was surprised by some overtakes where one of the two cars seemed to be stopped compared to the other! Once the first VSC was over, the race became less interesting in my opinion...

V

vincent moyet

08/03/2026 at 12:39 a.m.

Admittedly, the start of the race delivered a magnificent duel between Leclerc and Russell; it was impressive. After that... overtaking maneuvers that were executed in a straight line with a button on the steering wheel instead of a foot on the brake, you overtake me, I overtake you again, as expected: artificial and pointless. Mercedes and Ferrari were a cut above the rest (but not the strategy at Ferrari), a shame for Hajar, Lindblad was impressive, Audi got off to a good start, Verstappen made a great comeback, and Piastri, who is clearly not a prophet in his own land and must have wanted to hide underground.

A

Alain Féguenne (🇱🇺 Luxembourg)

08/03/2026 at 06:45 a.m.

🚥 Race - Melbourne 🚥 Magnificent Mercedes one-two finish… and George 👍, Charles had a magnificent race, regrettable that strategy… (Box) and Lewis 👍 and Max, what a comeback, just as I predicted, Arvid… great 👏, Gabriel & Audi… what can I say… fantastic, and Pierre is in the points. 😎👏🚥😉 alainkf1@pt.lu

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