Which Formula 1 team looked strongest during practice at the 2026 Australian Grand Prix?
Mercedes appeared the strongest team overall in the 2026 Australian Grand Prix practice sessions, based on superior lap times in FP3, competitive showings across sessions, and consistency despite disruptions.
### FP1 Results (Ferrari-led)
Charles Leclerc topped FP1 for Ferrari with 1m20.267s, followed by Lewis Hamilton (Ferrari) at +0.469s, Max Verstappen (Red Bull) at +0.522s, and Kimi Antonelli (Mercedes) at +1.109s. Oscar Piastri (McLaren) was sixth (+1.075s), George Russell (Mercedes) seventh (+1.104s). Ferrari showed early pace with a 1-2, while Mercedes and McLaren were mid-pack.[4]
### FP2 Results (McLaren-led)
Oscar Piastri (McLaren) set the fastest time of 1:19.729s, ahead of Kimi Antonelli (Mercedes) at +0.214s, George Russell (Mercedes) at +0.320s, Lewis Hamilton (Ferrari) at +0.321s, and Charles Leclerc (Ferrari) at +0.562s. Mercedes locked 2nd and 3rd, showing strong single-lap speed and long-run pace.[5][7]
### FP3 Results (Mercedes-dominated)
George Russell (Mercedes) posted the fastest lap of 1m19.053s, six-tenths clear of Lewis Hamilton (Ferrari) at +0.616s. Despite a crash for Kimi Antonelli, Mercedes topped the session, showing resilience amid disruptions.[1][3][6]
### Team Performance Summary
| Team | Best Lap (Session) | Key Strengths | Weaknesses/Notes |
|-----------|-----------------------------|----------------------------------------|--------------------------------------|
| **Mercedes** | Russell 1:19.053 (FP3)[1][6] | Fastest in FP3 by 0.6s; 2-3 in FP2; consistent top-8 drivers[3][5][7] | Antonelli crash in FP3[6] |
| Ferrari | Leclerc 1:20.267 (FP1)[4] | 1-2 in FP1; 2nd/3rd/4th/5th in FP3/FP2[4][6] | 0.6s off FP3 pace[1][3] |
| McLaren | Piastri 1:19.729 (FP2)[5][7]| FP2 win; Piastri 4th in FP3[6] | Norris 7th+ consistently[4][5] |
| Red Bull | Verstappen +0.522 (FP1)[4] | Top-6 across sessions[4][5][6] | Behind top teams; no session win |
Mercedes edged out due to FP3 dominance (huge gap to rivals), locking top-3 spots in FP2, and resilience (e.g., long runs noted). Ferrari was consistent but slower in FP3; McLaren shone in FP2 but lacked FP3 punch. Data reflects Friday/Saturday sessions before qualifying.[1][3][4][6]
