What were the full qualifying results for the 2026 Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix?

George Russell (Mercedes) secured pole position for the 2026 Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix with a Q3 lap time of 1:18.518, followed by Kimi Antonelli (Mercedes) in second at +0.293s.

### Full Qualifying Results The session saw Mercedes dominate the top two spots, with Red Bull's Isack Hadjar in third on debut. Max Verstappen crashed in Q1 and recorded no time, starting from the back alongside Carlos Sainz and Lance Stroll, who also failed to set competitive laps.

Mercedes took the first two positions with Russell and Antonelli.
Red Bull's Hadjar qualified third in his first F1 qualifying session.
Verstappen did not set a time due to a crash in Q1.
Top qualifiers completed their best laps in Q3, with times around 1:18.5 to 1:19.5.
Additional drivers struggled in qualifying, with some unable to set a time in the session.

This qualifying session set the stage for an exciting race in Australia, with potential weather and track conditions adding to the unpredictability.

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Why is the first race often unpredictable in Formula 1?

How do teams plan strategy for the first race in Formula 1?

Why do midfield gaps change so much early in the Formula 1 season?

Can Formula 1 teams copy successful designs legally?