Who won the 2026 Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix?

George Russell won the 2026 Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix, driving for Mercedes and securing a 1-2 finish ahead of teammate Kimi Antonelli.

This season-opening race at Albert Park saw Russell start from pole and prevail after an intense early battle with Ferrari's Charles Leclerc, where the lead changed hands seven times in the first 10 laps. Mercedes' one-stop strategy, aided by a Virtual Safety Car from Isack Hadjar's Red Bull retirement, allowed Russell to pull away on hard tires, finishing with a winning time of 1:23:06.801.

Russell started from pole and won the race.
Mercedes achieved a 1-2 finish.
The race involved a fast, competitive start with multiple lead changes.
Key safety car and strategy decisions influenced the outcome.
Max Verstappen set the fastest lap despite a starting position of P20.

This victory sets a promising tone for Mercedes and highlights the competitive nature of the 2026 season.

References: formula1.com; GPFans; Sky Sports

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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?