{"id":529343,"date":"2026-03-09T18:40:55","date_gmt":"2026-03-09T18:40:55","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/529343\/"},"modified":"2026-03-09T18:40:55","modified_gmt":"2026-03-09T18:40:55","slug":"ferrari-reckons-f1-australian-gp-race-showed-its-true-form-after-tough-qualifying","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/529343\/","title":{"rendered":"Ferrari reckons F1 Australian GP race showed its true form after &#8220;tough&#8221; qualifying"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>Fred Vasseur reckons <a href=\"https:\/\/www.motorsport.com\/team\/ferrari\/3\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" data-ylk=\"slk:Ferrari;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas\" class=\"link \">Ferrari<\/a> failed to \u201cput everything together\u201d in qualifying for Formula 1\u2019s Australian Grand Prix with the much-improved race being more representative of its pace.<\/p>\n<p>The Italian outfit finished third and fourth at the F1 2026 opener in Melbourne on Sunday, behind <a href=\"https:\/\/www.motorsport.com\/team\/mercedes\/5\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" data-ylk=\"slk:Mercedes;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas\" class=\"link \">Mercedes<\/a> pair <a href=\"https:\/\/www.motorsport.com\/driver\/george-russell\/21167\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" data-ylk=\"slk:George Russell;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas\" class=\"link \">George Russell<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.motorsport.com\/driver\/andrea-kimi-antonelli\/953412\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" data-ylk=\"slk:Kimi Antonelli;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas\" class=\"link \">Kimi Antonelli<\/a> who were also 1-2 in qualifying.<\/p>\n<p>Advertisement<\/p>\n<p>At one stage <a href=\"https:\/\/www.motorsport.com\/driver\/charles-leclerc\/109611\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" data-ylk=\"slk:Charles Leclerc;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas\" class=\"link \">Charles Leclerc<\/a> was even enjoying a to-and-fro battle with eventual winner Russell for the lead, but then Ferrari\u2019s decision to not pit under a virtual safety car eventually resigned him to third ahead of team-mate <a href=\"https:\/\/www.motorsport.com\/driver\/lewis-hamilton\/1278\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" data-ylk=\"slk:Lewis Hamilton;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas\" class=\"link \">Lewis Hamilton<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>But it still marked vast improvements from qualifying, where Leclerc was fourth and Hamilton seventh, 0.809s and 0.960s off pole respectively, on the opening weekend of F1\u2019s new regulations.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThe feeling is more positive than something else,\u201d said team boss Vasseur. \u201cWe had a tough Saturday, I think we didn&#8217;t put everything together yesterday. We were eight tenths off, it was quite tough, but we recovered part of this today.<\/p>\n<p>Advertisement<\/p>\n<p>\u201cIt is good to have two cars fighting at the top. We know that we have a very long list of improvements, but it is true for us, it is true for everybody on the grid. The result of the season will be based on the capacity that we will have to develop, to bring upgrades, to produce quickly.<\/p>\n<p>Frederic Vasseur, Ferrari<img alt=\"Frederic Vasseur, Ferrari\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"960\" height=\"641\" decoding=\"async\" data-nimg=\"1\" class=\"standard-img\" style=\"color:transparent\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/624ffd592603c32a1e688d38c1aaf304.jpeg\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Frederic Vasseur, Ferrari<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThis will be key for the season for everybody on the grid. I prefer to start the season in a good shape than in a bad shape, but it is still a long way to go.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Advertisement<\/p>\n<p>Key to Leclerc\u2019s early challenge for the lead was his lightning start where he grabbed first come Turn 1, though this continued a theme from pre-season of Ferrari looking good off the lights.<\/p>\n<p>It comes amid changes to the race start procedure where drivers must now rev their engines higher and for much longer, following the removal of the MGU-H under the 2026 regulations.<\/p>\n<p>This makes it more complicated and while some teams struggled to adapt, Ferrari looked the strongest during starts in Bahrain testing and subsequently continued that into Melbourne &#8211; where teams like Mercedes and Red Bull mismanaged battery power for lights out.<\/p>\n<p>Advertisement<\/p>\n<p>But Vasseur warned that Ferrari might not hold this advantage at every grand prix this year, adding: \u201cWe were expecting to have a good start, but it is really on the edge. The window is very narrow. On the top today, they switched it on [the lights] very quickly.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI think everybody was a bit surprised. The start was good, but it is not a guarantee for the season. The pace yesterday, we didn&#8217;t do the best session of our life, but we were there.<\/p>\n<p>Advertisement<\/p>\n<p>\u201cToday, the race pace was probably a bit better. It was difficult, but if you compare it with <a href=\"https:\/\/www.motorsport.com\/team\/mclaren\/10\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" data-ylk=\"slk:McLaren;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas\" class=\"link \">McLaren<\/a>, Red Bull and Mercedes, we are probably a step forward in the race pace. But again, it is one event, the first one, but we have a mega long list of things that we are convinced that we have to do a better job. But this is true also for my competitors.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>So the Frenchman reckons it may be a \u201ccompletely different story\u201d at this weekend\u2019s Chinese Grand Prix, as varying track characteristics are expected to make a bigger difference in 2026.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cIn terms of energy, it is almost the opposite,\u201d said Vasseur. \u201cConditions will be much colder, probably much colder and we will have the sprint format.<\/p>\n<p>Advertisement<\/p>\n<p>\u201cIt means much less time to adapt the strategy. It will be a completely different exercise. Let&#8217;s see where we will be next week.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Photos from Australian GP &#8211; SundayLewis Hamilton, Ferrari, Isack Hadjar, Red Bull Racing<img alt=\"Lewis Hamilton, Ferrari, Isack Hadjar, Red Bull Racing\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"960\" height=\"640\" decoding=\"async\" data-nimg=\"1\" class=\"standard-img\" style=\"color:transparent\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/0c86042b5f3d26617fd2689dd32c5f47.jpeg\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Lewis Hamilton, Ferrari, Isack Hadjar, Red Bull Racing<\/p>\n<p>Sam Bloxham \/ LAT Images via Getty Images<\/p>\n<p>Gabriel Bortoleto, Audi F1 Team<img alt=\"Gabriel Bortoleto, Audi F1 Team\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"960\" height=\"640\" decoding=\"async\" data-nimg=\"1\" class=\"standard-img\" style=\"color:transparent\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/24d024e85d7f9fb3eed9b686477f57f7.jpeg\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Gabriel Bortoleto, Audi F1 Team<\/p>\n<p>Alastair Staley \/ LAT Images via Getty Images<\/p>\n<p>Entertainers<img alt=\"Entertainers\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"960\" height=\"640\" decoding=\"async\" data-nimg=\"1\" class=\"standard-img\" style=\"color:transparent\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/0391829b9e90b745e5e6e433f33f3e66.jpeg\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Entertainers<\/p>\n<p>Alastair Staley \/ LAT Images via Getty Images<\/p>\n<p>Charles Leclerc, Ferrari<img alt=\"Charles Leclerc, Ferrari\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"960\" height=\"640\" decoding=\"async\" data-nimg=\"1\" class=\"standard-img\" style=\"color:transparent\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/3cdb777071958b18839d661772f6f2c5.jpeg\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Charles Leclerc, Ferrari<\/p>\n<p>Mario Renzi \/ Formula 1 via Getty Images<\/p>\n<p>Advertisement<\/p>\n<p>Charles Leclerc, Ferrari<img alt=\"Charles Leclerc, Ferrari\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"960\" height=\"640\" decoding=\"async\" data-nimg=\"1\" class=\"standard-img\" style=\"color:transparent\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/28d54e24048dc78dd640ef534a5dca62.jpeg\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Charles Leclerc, Ferrari<\/p>\n<p>Mario Renzi \/ Formula 1 via Getty Images<\/p>\n<p>Zak Brown, McLaren<img alt=\"Zak Brown, McLaren\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"960\" height=\"640\" decoding=\"async\" data-nimg=\"1\" class=\"standard-img\" style=\"color:transparent\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/e36e94fdfd9b7ac09a47a8fd68ecf1f0.jpeg\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Zak Brown, McLaren<\/p>\n<p>Martin Keep \/ AFP via Getty Images<\/p>\n<p>Arvid Lindblad, Racing Bulls<img alt=\"Arvid Lindblad, Racing Bulls\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"960\" height=\"640\" decoding=\"async\" data-nimg=\"1\" class=\"standard-img\" style=\"color:transparent\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/e8d120d6f4dd28308cc69a90e674d273.jpeg\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Arvid Lindblad, Racing Bulls<\/p>\n<p>Sam Bagnall \/ Sutton Images via Getty Images<\/p>\n<p>Liam Lawson, Racing Bulls<img alt=\"Liam Lawson, Racing Bulls\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"960\" height=\"640\" decoding=\"async\" data-nimg=\"1\" class=\"standard-img\" style=\"color:transparent\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/71d64eff88d840d088dfa9ab0a80e543.jpeg\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Liam Lawson, Racing Bulls<\/p>\n<p>Sam Bagnall \/ Sutton Images via Getty Images<\/p>\n<p>Carlos Sainz, Williams<img alt=\"Carlos Sainz, Williams\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"960\" height=\"640\" decoding=\"async\" data-nimg=\"1\" class=\"standard-img\" style=\"color:transparent\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/2318df9bcca7d9578b8c4d3cdbb36e14.jpeg\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Carlos Sainz, Williams<\/p>\n<p>Jayce Illman \/ Getty Images<\/p>\n<p>Charles Leclerc, Ferrari<img alt=\"Charles Leclerc, Ferrari\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"960\" height=\"686\" decoding=\"async\" data-nimg=\"1\" class=\"standard-img\" style=\"color:transparent\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/e079856a197bfa6a133b8ad0f2674214.jpeg\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Charles Leclerc, Ferrari<\/p>\n<p>Rudy Carezzevoli \/ Getty Images<\/p>\n<p>Isack Hadjar, Red Bull Racing<img alt=\"Isack Hadjar, Red Bull Racing\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"960\" height=\"641\" decoding=\"async\" data-nimg=\"1\" class=\"standard-img\" style=\"color:transparent\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/308b318bb4ad8d4f01d5e2d27680e904.jpeg\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Isack Hadjar, Red Bull Racing<\/p>\n<p>Kym Illman \/ Getty Images<\/p>\n<p>Alexander Albon, Williams<img alt=\"Alexander Albon, Williams\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"960\" height=\"641\" decoding=\"async\" data-nimg=\"1\" class=\"standard-img\" style=\"color:transparent\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/73c1620ceec8c42790d0a905e9a0c32f.jpeg\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Alexander Albon, Williams<\/p>\n<p>Martin Keep \/ AFP via Getty Images<\/p>\n<p>Advertisement<\/p>\n<p>The 2026 F1 drivers photo<img alt=\"The 2026 F1 drivers photo\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"960\" height=\"640\" decoding=\"async\" data-nimg=\"1\" class=\"standard-img\" style=\"color:transparent\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/abc39964c5e71be779adf332dc1db47d.jpeg\"\/><\/p>\n<p>The 2026 F1 drivers photo<\/p>\n<p>Sam Bagnall \/ Sutton Images via Getty Images<\/p>\n<p>Andrea Kimi Antonelli, Mercedes<img alt=\"Andrea Kimi Antonelli, Mercedes\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"960\" height=\"641\" decoding=\"async\" data-nimg=\"1\" class=\"standard-img\" style=\"color:transparent\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/bf8d2ff03596f591de70dd70cecef57b.jpeg\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Andrea Kimi Antonelli, Mercedes<\/p>\n<p>Anni Graf &#8211; Formula 1 via Getty Images<\/p>\n<p>Andrea Kimi Antonelli, Mercedes<img alt=\"Andrea Kimi Antonelli, Mercedes\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"960\" height=\"641\" decoding=\"async\" data-nimg=\"1\" class=\"standard-img\" style=\"color:transparent\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/493ced060366c2dbcfe7134e48aa4774.jpeg\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Andrea Kimi Antonelli, Mercedes<\/p>\n<p>Anni Graf &#8211; Formula 1 via Getty Images<\/p>\n<p>Sam Brabham drives a Brabham BT-19 on track<img alt=\"Sam Brabham drives a Brabham BT-19 on track\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"960\" height=\"640\" decoding=\"async\" data-nimg=\"1\" class=\"standard-img\" style=\"color:transparent\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/a444cfe3dc8e3cb02974f8ab86a26eb7.jpeg\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Sam Brabham drives a Brabham BT-19 on track<\/p>\n<p>Mark Sutton \/ Formula 1 via Getty Images<\/p>\n<p>Valtteri Bottas, Cadillac Racing, Sergio Perez, Cadillac Racing<img alt=\"Valtteri Bottas, Cadillac Racing, Sergio Perez, Cadillac Racing\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"960\" height=\"641\" decoding=\"async\" data-nimg=\"1\" class=\"standard-img\" style=\"color:transparent\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/a07a941cdc94f5e253437be103564a1d.jpeg\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Valtteri Bottas, Cadillac Racing, Sergio Perez, Cadillac Racing<\/p>\n<p>Martin Keep \/ AFP via Getty Images<\/p>\n<p>Valtteri Bottas, Cadillac Racing, Sergio Perez, Cadillac Racing<img alt=\"Valtteri Bottas, Cadillac Racing, Sergio Perez, Cadillac Racing\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"960\" height=\"640\" decoding=\"async\" data-nimg=\"1\" class=\"standard-img\" style=\"color:transparent\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/624eb9125ab52c78b8b74ca514442a4b.jpeg\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Valtteri Bottas, Cadillac Racing, Sergio Perez, Cadillac Racing<\/p>\n<p>Mark Thompson \/ Getty Images<\/p>\n<p>Advertisement<\/p>\n<p>Andrea Kimi Antonelli, Mercedes, Max Verstappen, Red Bull Racing<img alt=\"Andrea Kimi Antonelli, Mercedes, Max Verstappen, Red Bull Racing\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"960\" height=\"754\" decoding=\"async\" data-nimg=\"1\" class=\"standard-img\" style=\"color:transparent\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/a6c94482310e3fb660f3b658c29d0564.jpeg\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Andrea Kimi Antonelli, Mercedes, Max Verstappen, Red Bull Racing<\/p>\n<p>Simon Galloway \/ LAT Images via Getty Images<\/p>\n<p>Sam Brabham drives a Brabham BT-19 on track<img alt=\"Sam Brabham drives a Brabham BT-19 on track\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"960\" height=\"641\" decoding=\"async\" data-nimg=\"1\" class=\"standard-img\" style=\"color:transparent\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/3b50cd4b135bd01d05c2fba8d8ab8663.jpeg\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Sam Brabham drives a Brabham BT-19 on track<\/p>\n<p>Mark Sutton \/ Formula 1 via Getty Images<\/p>\n<p>Valtteri Bottas, Cadillac Racing<img alt=\"Valtteri Bottas, Cadillac Racing\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"960\" height=\"640\" decoding=\"async\" data-nimg=\"1\" class=\"standard-img\" style=\"color:transparent\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/a8d046981040d38d3f863f63c49177cd.jpeg\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Valtteri Bottas, Cadillac Racing<\/p>\n<p>Mark Thompson \/ Getty Images<\/p>\n<p>Arvid Lindblad, Racing Bulls<img alt=\"Arvid Lindblad, Racing Bulls\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"960\" height=\"641\" decoding=\"async\" data-nimg=\"1\" class=\"standard-img\" style=\"color:transparent\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/a1a3f6400a5d2acf1b836a70d8a46e9b.jpeg\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Arvid Lindblad, Racing Bulls<\/p>\n<p>Anni Graf &#8211; Formula 1 via Getty Images<\/p>\n<p>Oscar Piastri, McLaren<img alt=\"Oscar Piastri, McLaren\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"960\" height=\"591\" decoding=\"async\" data-nimg=\"1\" class=\"standard-img\" style=\"color:transparent\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/0af03acc68aaf063a56e59a695f75c7b.jpeg\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Oscar Piastri, McLaren<\/p>\n<p>Simon Galloway \/ LAT Images via Getty Images<\/p>\n<p>Oscar Piastri, McLaren<img alt=\"Oscar Piastri, McLaren\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"960\" height=\"640\" decoding=\"async\" data-nimg=\"1\" class=\"standard-img\" style=\"color:transparent\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/293ffbbe82d07e7642438d47cbb550ba.jpeg\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Oscar Piastri, McLaren<\/p>\n<p>Rudy Carezzevoli \/ Getty Images<\/p>\n<p>Oscar Piastri, McLaren<img alt=\"Oscar Piastri, McLaren\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"960\" height=\"640\" decoding=\"async\" data-nimg=\"1\" class=\"standard-img\" style=\"color:transparent\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/ddc5af5f97a158f7a434fbfd2157f420.jpeg\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Oscar Piastri, McLaren<\/p>\n<p>Rudy Carezzevoli \/ Getty Images<\/p>\n<p>Advertisement<\/p>\n<p>Oscar Piastri, McLaren<img alt=\"Oscar Piastri, McLaren\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"960\" height=\"640\" decoding=\"async\" data-nimg=\"1\" class=\"standard-img\" style=\"color:transparent\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/0690990320dbb94002bfc32ba46e9c39.jpeg\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Oscar Piastri, McLaren<\/p>\n<p>Dom Gibbons \/ Formula 1 via Getty Images<\/p>\n<p>Franco Colapinto, Alpine, Max Verstappen, Red Bull Racing, George Russell, Mercedes, Oscar Piastri, McLaren<img alt=\"Franco Colapinto, Alpine, Max Verstappen, Red Bull Racing, George Russell, Mercedes, Oscar Piastri, McLaren\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"960\" height=\"713\" decoding=\"async\" data-nimg=\"1\" class=\"standard-img\" style=\"color:transparent\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/4ee59a816a2495acfa74c9aabc436117.jpeg\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Franco Colapinto, Alpine, Max Verstappen, Red Bull Racing, George Russell, Mercedes, Oscar Piastri, McLaren<\/p>\n<p>Simon Galloway \/ LAT Images via Getty Images<\/p>\n<p>Carlos Sainz, Williams<img alt=\"Carlos Sainz, Williams\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"960\" height=\"640\" decoding=\"async\" data-nimg=\"1\" class=\"standard-img\" style=\"color:transparent\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/605e791105e51b3f9043b952d837ac92.jpeg\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Carlos Sainz, Williams<\/p>\n<p>Peter Fox \/ Getty Images<\/p>\n<p>Valtteri Bottas, Cadillac Racing<img alt=\"Valtteri Bottas, Cadillac Racing\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"960\" height=\"640\" decoding=\"async\" data-nimg=\"1\" class=\"standard-img\" style=\"color:transparent\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/7f0184372b0de48f7ec5d8bec218e8f3.jpeg\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Valtteri Bottas, Cadillac Racing<\/p>\n<p>Peter Fox \/ Getty Images<\/p>\n<p>Arvid Lindblad, Racing Bulls<img alt=\"Arvid Lindblad, Racing Bulls\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"960\" height=\"640\" decoding=\"async\" data-nimg=\"1\" class=\"standard-img\" style=\"color:transparent\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/e29621ee4540f58b5885de6cd907ddfd.jpeg\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Arvid Lindblad, Racing Bulls<\/p>\n<p>Mario Renzi \/ Formula 1 via Getty Images<\/p>\n<p>Charles Leclerc, Ferrari, George Russell, Mercedes<img alt=\"Charles Leclerc, Ferrari, George Russell, Mercedes\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"960\" height=\"640\" decoding=\"async\" data-nimg=\"1\" class=\"standard-img\" style=\"color:transparent\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/721b0de086d24cdc0ec00b4262315388.jpeg\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Charles Leclerc, Ferrari, George Russell, Mercedes<\/p>\n<p>Paul Crock \/ AFP via Getty Images<\/p>\n<p>Advertisement<\/p>\n<p>George Russell, Mercedes<img alt=\"George Russell, Mercedes\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"960\" height=\"640\" decoding=\"async\" data-nimg=\"1\" class=\"standard-img\" style=\"color:transparent\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/2c8e8e374a6fec96018e1e7f174b26c5.jpeg\"\/><\/p>\n<p>George Russell, Mercedes<\/p>\n<p>Mark Sutton \/ Formula 1 via Getty Images<\/p>\n<p>Charles Leclerc, Ferrari, George Russell, Mercedes<img alt=\"Charles Leclerc, Ferrari, George Russell, Mercedes\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"960\" height=\"640\" decoding=\"async\" data-nimg=\"1\" class=\"standard-img\" style=\"color:transparent\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/5845a8115cdd1eb69beff136b377216f.jpeg\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Charles Leclerc, Ferrari, George Russell, Mercedes<\/p>\n<p>Lars Baron \/ Getty Images<\/p>\n<p>Charles Leclerc, Ferrari<img alt=\"Charles Leclerc, Ferrari\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"960\" height=\"640\" decoding=\"async\" data-nimg=\"1\" class=\"standard-img\" style=\"color:transparent\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/e2ad54c02fe14b08ad7bace16ec91b0d.jpeg\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Charles Leclerc, Ferrari<\/p>\n<p>Martin Keep \/ AFP via Getty Images<\/p>\n<p>Lewis Hamilton, Ferrari, Isack Hadjar, Red Bull Racing<img alt=\"Lewis Hamilton, Ferrari, Isack Hadjar, Red Bull Racing\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"960\" height=\"640\" decoding=\"async\" data-nimg=\"1\" class=\"standard-img\" style=\"color:transparent\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/7a543b28ef4e31631b9bfb93683de120.jpeg\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Lewis Hamilton, Ferrari, Isack Hadjar, Red Bull Racing<\/p>\n<p>Mark Thompson \/ Getty Images<\/p>\n<p>Lewis Hamilton, Ferrari<img alt=\"Lewis Hamilton, Ferrari\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"960\" height=\"641\" decoding=\"async\" data-nimg=\"1\" class=\"standard-img\" style=\"color:transparent\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/fafee20f82b5f32276d0c0dd260c9bcb.jpeg\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Lewis Hamilton, Ferrari<\/p>\n<p>Dom Gibbons \/ Formula 1 via Getty Images<\/p>\n<p>Alexander Albon, Williams<img alt=\"Alexander Albon, Williams\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"960\" height=\"640\" decoding=\"async\" data-nimg=\"1\" class=\"standard-img\" style=\"color:transparent\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/fb8face3ddec154b7ddd75be94c3ff8e.jpeg\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Alexander Albon, Williams<\/p>\n<p>Peter Fox \/ Getty Images<\/p>\n<p>Oliver Bearman, Haas F1 Team, Carlos Sainz, Williams<img alt=\"Oliver Bearman, Haas F1 Team, Carlos Sainz, Williams\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"960\" height=\"640\" decoding=\"async\" data-nimg=\"1\" class=\"standard-img\" style=\"color:transparent\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/a08c89f1774de8448ff554ef06e4372c.jpeg\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Oliver Bearman, Haas F1 Team, Carlos Sainz, Williams<\/p>\n<p>Mark Sutton \/ Formula 1 via Getty Images<\/p>\n<p>Advertisement<\/p>\n<p>Charles Leclerc, Ferrari, George Russell, Mercedes<img alt=\"Charles Leclerc, Ferrari, George Russell, Mercedes\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"960\" height=\"640\" decoding=\"async\" data-nimg=\"1\" class=\"standard-img\" style=\"color:transparent\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/2ff3d0aeff924c291027f2902366a136.jpeg\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Charles Leclerc, Ferrari, George Russell, Mercedes<\/p>\n<p>Joe Portlock \/ Getty Images<\/p>\n<p>Lando Norris, McLaren<img alt=\"Lando Norris, McLaren\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"960\" height=\"640\" decoding=\"async\" data-nimg=\"1\" class=\"standard-img\" style=\"color:transparent\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/c7085be9a3dfc3b0fc06896e9f2765f2.jpeg\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Lando Norris, McLaren<\/p>\n<p>Paul Crock \/ AFP via Getty Images<\/p>\n<p>Charles Leclerc, Ferrari, George Russell, Mercedes<img alt=\"Charles Leclerc, Ferrari, George Russell, Mercedes\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"960\" height=\"640\" decoding=\"async\" data-nimg=\"1\" class=\"standard-img\" style=\"color:transparent\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/fc8c7879531f3de0240113f3161cd828.jpeg\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Charles Leclerc, Ferrari, George Russell, Mercedes<\/p>\n<p>Martin Keep \/ AFP via Getty Images<\/p>\n<p>Charles Leclerc, Ferrari, Lewis Hamilton, Ferrari, George Russell, Mercedes<img alt=\"Charles Leclerc, Ferrari, Lewis Hamilton, Ferrari, George Russell, Mercedes\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"960\" height=\"622\" decoding=\"async\" data-nimg=\"1\" class=\"standard-img\" style=\"color:transparent\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/9eb1dfd7a06127d633c07ad7e348967f.jpeg\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Charles Leclerc, Ferrari, Lewis Hamilton, Ferrari, George Russell, Mercedes<\/p>\n<p>Joe Portlock \/ Getty Images<\/p>\n<p>Gabriel Bortoleto, Audi F1 Team<img alt=\"Gabriel Bortoleto, Audi F1 Team\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"960\" height=\"640\" decoding=\"async\" data-nimg=\"1\" class=\"standard-img\" style=\"color:transparent\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/dad32782efeb957682d1395193929289.jpeg\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Gabriel Bortoleto, Audi F1 Team<\/p>\n<p>Joe Portlock \/ Getty Images<\/p>\n<p>Charles Leclerc, Ferrari, Lewis Hamilton, Ferrari, George Russell, Mercedes<img alt=\"Charles Leclerc, Ferrari, Lewis Hamilton, Ferrari, George Russell, Mercedes\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"960\" height=\"640\" decoding=\"async\" data-nimg=\"1\" class=\"standard-img\" style=\"color:transparent\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/9b736cd321ebe3192e607fe1cb19f99a.jpeg\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Charles Leclerc, Ferrari, Lewis Hamilton, Ferrari, George Russell, Mercedes<\/p>\n<p>Martin Keep \/ AFP via Getty Images<\/p>\n<p>Advertisement<\/p>\n<p>Valtteri Bottas, Cadillac Racing<img alt=\"Valtteri Bottas, Cadillac Racing\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"960\" height=\"640\" decoding=\"async\" data-nimg=\"1\" class=\"standard-img\" style=\"color:transparent\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/a11cf276f0f19f7ae7e18029a8695f08.jpeg\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Valtteri Bottas, Cadillac Racing<\/p>\n<p>Peter Fox \/ Getty Images<\/p>\n<p>Lance Stroll, Aston Martin Racing<img alt=\"Lance Stroll, Aston Martin Racing\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"960\" height=\"640\" decoding=\"async\" data-nimg=\"1\" class=\"standard-img\" style=\"color:transparent\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/0a9fd6691fc466282bd1d0d87ee3ae3d.jpeg\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Lance Stroll, Aston Martin Racing<\/p>\n<p>Paul Crock \/ AFP via Getty Images<\/p>\n<p>Sergio Perez, Cadillac Racing<img alt=\"Sergio Perez, Cadillac Racing\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"960\" height=\"640\" decoding=\"async\" data-nimg=\"1\" class=\"standard-img\" style=\"color:transparent\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/aa1d2f576c070ba6db44108024ca4129.jpeg\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Sergio Perez, Cadillac Racing<\/p>\n<p>James Sutton \/ Formula 1 \/ Formula Motorsport Ltd via Getty Images<\/p>\n<p>Charles Leclerc, Ferrari<img alt=\"Charles Leclerc, Ferrari\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"960\" height=\"640\" decoding=\"async\" data-nimg=\"1\" class=\"standard-img\" style=\"color:transparent\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/d02b0e23876a9a2bea32e4b5c00e5956.jpeg\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Charles Leclerc, Ferrari<\/p>\n<p>William West \/ AFP via Getty Images<\/p>\n<p>Liam Lawson, Racing Bulls<img alt=\"Liam Lawson, Racing Bulls\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"960\" height=\"640\" decoding=\"async\" data-nimg=\"1\" class=\"standard-img\" style=\"color:transparent\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/d9bdd1cfc37a9da92a867dd9facefffa.jpeg\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Liam Lawson, Racing Bulls<\/p>\n<p>Lars Baron \/ Getty Images<\/p>\n<p>Charles Leclerc, Ferrari<img alt=\"Charles Leclerc, Ferrari\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"960\" height=\"640\" decoding=\"async\" data-nimg=\"1\" class=\"standard-img\" style=\"color:transparent\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/f753f17b425e9ee9cb348a2f4160a6a3.jpeg\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Charles Leclerc, Ferrari<\/p>\n<p>Peter Fox \/ Getty Images<\/p>\n<p>Andrea Kimi Antonelli, Mercedes<img alt=\"Andrea Kimi Antonelli, Mercedes\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"960\" height=\"640\" decoding=\"async\" data-nimg=\"1\" class=\"standard-img\" style=\"color:transparent\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/b0a1b1c947688d8240aba2e0a1ba619f.jpeg\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Andrea Kimi Antonelli, Mercedes<\/p>\n<p>Lars Baron \/ Getty Images<\/p>\n<p>Arvid Lindblad, Racing Bulls<img alt=\"Arvid Lindblad, Racing Bulls\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"960\" height=\"640\" decoding=\"async\" data-nimg=\"1\" class=\"standard-img\" style=\"color:transparent\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/cddd001f68e88c69d781f3b84126a839.jpeg\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Arvid Lindblad, Racing Bulls<\/p>\n<p>Joe Portlock \/ Getty Images<\/p>\n<p>Advertisement<\/p>\n<p>Andrea Kimi Antonelli, Mercedes<img alt=\"Andrea Kimi Antonelli, Mercedes\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"960\" height=\"640\" decoding=\"async\" data-nimg=\"1\" class=\"standard-img\" style=\"color:transparent\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/1c43b3aa4b0650911eff929bd5812c73.jpeg\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Andrea Kimi Antonelli, Mercedes<\/p>\n<p>William West \/ AFP via Getty Images<\/p>\n<p>Lance Stroll, Aston Martin Racing<img alt=\"Lance Stroll, Aston Martin Racing\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"960\" height=\"640\" decoding=\"async\" data-nimg=\"1\" class=\"standard-img\" style=\"color:transparent\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/31212fd8ba949f39d8c9581f13652994.jpeg\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Lance Stroll, Aston Martin Racing<\/p>\n<p>William West \/ AFP via Getty Images<\/p>\n<p>Isack Hadjar, Red Bull Racing<img alt=\"Isack Hadjar, Red Bull Racing\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"960\" height=\"640\" decoding=\"async\" data-nimg=\"1\" class=\"standard-img\" style=\"color:transparent\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/a8d71faa9af36acb668be991076f5003.jpeg\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Isack Hadjar, Red Bull Racing<\/p>\n<p>Mark Sutton \/ Formula 1 via Getty Images<\/p>\n<p>Charles Leclerc, Ferrari<img alt=\"Charles Leclerc, Ferrari\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"960\" height=\"641\" decoding=\"async\" data-nimg=\"1\" class=\"standard-img\" style=\"color:transparent\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/cc87e03513e70365449afc6e526b3065.jpeg\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Charles Leclerc, Ferrari<\/p>\n<p>Dom Gibbons \/ Formula 1 via Getty Images<\/p>\n<p>Valtteri Bottas, Cadillac Racing<img alt=\"Valtteri Bottas, Cadillac Racing\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"960\" height=\"597\" decoding=\"async\" data-nimg=\"1\" class=\"standard-img\" style=\"color:transparent\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/587d5663b9cecb1c5128fbae9a600c6d.jpeg\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Valtteri Bottas, Cadillac Racing<\/p>\n<p>Simon Galloway \/ LAT Images via Getty Images<\/p>\n<p>Esteban Ocon, Haas F1 Team<img alt=\"Esteban Ocon, Haas F1 Team\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"960\" height=\"641\" decoding=\"async\" data-nimg=\"1\" class=\"standard-img\" style=\"color:transparent\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/dc05a8eb235d7570676c512f6d7a526a.jpeg\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Esteban Ocon, Haas F1 Team<\/p>\n<p>Anni Graf &#8211; Formula 1 via Getty Images<\/p>\n<p>Andrea Kimi Antonelli, Mercedes<img alt=\"Andrea Kimi Antonelli, Mercedes\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"960\" height=\"640\" decoding=\"async\" data-nimg=\"1\" class=\"standard-img\" style=\"color:transparent\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/9a4d725d7e4a564f06168e15b335cb78.jpeg\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Andrea Kimi Antonelli, Mercedes<\/p>\n<p>Paul Crock \/ AFP via Getty Images<\/p>\n<p>Advertisement<\/p>\n<p>Charles Leclerc, Ferrari<img alt=\"Charles Leclerc, Ferrari\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"960\" height=\"640\" decoding=\"async\" data-nimg=\"1\" class=\"standard-img\" style=\"color:transparent\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/a97676cc4799f8b5022cf0277fb59959.jpeg\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Charles Leclerc, Ferrari<\/p>\n<p>Lars Baron \/ Getty Images<\/p>\n<p>George Russell, Mercedes<img alt=\"George Russell, Mercedes\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"960\" height=\"640\" decoding=\"async\" data-nimg=\"1\" class=\"standard-img\" style=\"color:transparent\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/94fda7cfb230cc60117f347d8a3a3b88.jpeg\"\/><\/p>\n<p>George Russell, Mercedes<\/p>\n<p>Mario Renzi \/ Formula 1 via Getty Images<\/p>\n<p>George Russell, Mercedes<img alt=\"George Russell, Mercedes\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"960\" height=\"641\" decoding=\"async\" data-nimg=\"1\" class=\"standard-img\" style=\"color:transparent\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/01fec3b3a8e707470e1635dd64391aa9.jpeg\"\/><\/p>\n<p>George Russell, Mercedes<\/p>\n<p>Anni Graf &#8211; Formula 1 via Getty Images<\/p>\n<p>George Russell, Mercedes<img alt=\"George Russell, Mercedes\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"960\" height=\"640\" decoding=\"async\" data-nimg=\"1\" class=\"standard-img\" style=\"color:transparent\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/2838a34831704f3fcf1bdfd05e77f452.jpeg\"\/><\/p>\n<p>George Russell, Mercedes<\/p>\n<p>Martin Keep \/ AFP via Getty Images<\/p>\n<p>Toto Wolff, Mercedes<img alt=\"Toto Wolff, Mercedes\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"960\" height=\"640\" decoding=\"async\" data-nimg=\"1\" class=\"standard-img\" style=\"color:transparent\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/e63b34a5978027a218bc88bfe81dfe18.jpeg\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Toto Wolff, Mercedes<\/p>\n<p>Martin Keep \/ AFP via Getty Images<\/p>\n<p>Lando Norris, McLaren, Max Verstappen, Red Bull Racing, Oliver Bearman, Haas F1 Team<img alt=\"Lando Norris, McLaren, Max Verstappen, Red Bull Racing, Oliver Bearman, Haas F1 Team\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"960\" height=\"641\" decoding=\"async\" data-nimg=\"1\" class=\"standard-img\" style=\"color:transparent\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/7f135003e2224e0228a831eba82ad9f5.jpeg\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Lando Norris, McLaren, Max Verstappen, Red Bull Racing, Oliver Bearman, Haas F1 Team<\/p>\n<p>Mark Thompson \/ Getty Images<\/p>\n<p>Lewis Hamilton, Ferrari<img alt=\"Lewis Hamilton, Ferrari\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"960\" height=\"640\" decoding=\"async\" data-nimg=\"1\" class=\"standard-img\" style=\"color:transparent\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/bd2f5e703f96fb908881d80d9b107b62.jpeg\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Lewis Hamilton, Ferrari<\/p>\n<p>Steven Tee \/ LAT Images via Getty Images<\/p>\n<p>Advertisement<\/p>\n<p>George Russell, Mercedes<img alt=\"George Russell, Mercedes\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"960\" height=\"641\" decoding=\"async\" data-nimg=\"1\" class=\"standard-img\" style=\"color:transparent\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/7059acf8d569cc86e219fb496aa26cf3.jpeg\"\/><\/p>\n<p>George Russell, Mercedes<\/p>\n<p>Mario Renzi \/ Formula 1 via Getty Images<\/p>\n<p>George Russell, Mercedes, Toto Wolff, Mercedes<img alt=\"George Russell, Mercedes, Toto Wolff, Mercedes\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"960\" height=\"640\" decoding=\"async\" data-nimg=\"1\" class=\"standard-img\" style=\"color:transparent\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/bb166b1d9dad3c7a5c986912b1e26a44.jpeg\"\/><\/p>\n<p>George Russell, Mercedes, Toto Wolff, Mercedes<\/p>\n<p>Mark Sutton \/ Formula 1 via Getty Images<\/p>\n<p>George Russell, Mercedes, Andrea Kimi Antonelli, Mercedes<img alt=\"George Russell, Mercedes, Andrea Kimi Antonelli, Mercedes\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"960\" height=\"640\" decoding=\"async\" data-nimg=\"1\" class=\"standard-img\" style=\"color:transparent\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/477fcb98f9e548dce26415e2308eabb8.jpeg\"\/><\/p>\n<p>George Russell, Mercedes, Andrea Kimi Antonelli, Mercedes<\/p>\n<p>Mark Sutton \/ Formula 1 via Getty Images<\/p>\n<p>George Russell, Mercedes<img alt=\"George Russell, Mercedes\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"960\" height=\"639\" decoding=\"async\" data-nimg=\"1\" class=\"standard-img\" style=\"color:transparent\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/d2739836246b1e7e8f182c57b17f8317.jpeg\"\/><\/p>\n<p>George Russell, Mercedes<\/p>\n<p>Simon Galloway \/ LAT Images via Getty Images<\/p>\n<p>Andrea Kimi Antonelli, Mercedes<img alt=\"Andrea Kimi Antonelli, Mercedes\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"960\" height=\"640\" decoding=\"async\" data-nimg=\"1\" class=\"standard-img\" style=\"color:transparent\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/5d2031a5a4c038104c9173777683ecd3.jpeg\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Andrea Kimi Antonelli, Mercedes<\/p>\n<p>Joe Portlock \/ Getty Images<\/p>\n<p>George Russell, Mercedes<img alt=\"George Russell, Mercedes\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"960\" height=\"640\" decoding=\"async\" data-nimg=\"1\" class=\"standard-img\" style=\"color:transparent\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/def0e444d33662355cb414b0746ac901.jpeg\"\/><\/p>\n<p>George Russell, Mercedes<\/p>\n<p>William West \/ AFP via Getty Images<\/p>\n<p>Andrea Kimi Antonelli, Mercedes<img alt=\"Andrea Kimi Antonelli, Mercedes\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"960\" height=\"640\" decoding=\"async\" data-nimg=\"1\" class=\"standard-img\" style=\"color:transparent\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/f2f75e95c9057224ac54601eed23336e.jpeg\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Andrea Kimi Antonelli, Mercedes<\/p>\n<p>Joe Portlock \/ Getty Images<\/p>\n<p>Advertisement<\/p>\n<p>Charles Leclerc, Ferrari<img alt=\"Charles Leclerc, Ferrari\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"960\" height=\"640\" decoding=\"async\" data-nimg=\"1\" class=\"standard-img\" style=\"color:transparent\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/afcc16842231ad81d43700a88ee08b52.jpeg\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Charles Leclerc, Ferrari<\/p>\n<p>Dom Gibbons \/ Formula 1 via Getty Images<\/p>\n<p>George Russell, Mercedes, Andrea Kimi Antonelli, Mercedes<img alt=\"George Russell, Mercedes, Andrea Kimi Antonelli, Mercedes\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"960\" height=\"688\" decoding=\"async\" data-nimg=\"1\" class=\"standard-img\" style=\"color:transparent\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/3794539ad9775986dbd848a360f991e5.jpeg\"\/><\/p>\n<p>George Russell, Mercedes, Andrea Kimi Antonelli, Mercedes<\/p>\n<p>Simon Galloway \/ LAT Images via Getty Images<\/p>\n<p>Charles Leclerc, Ferrari, George Russell, Mercedes, Andrea Kimi Antonelli, Mercedes<img alt=\"Charles Leclerc, Ferrari, George Russell, Mercedes, Andrea Kimi Antonelli, Mercedes\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"960\" height=\"641\" decoding=\"async\" data-nimg=\"1\" class=\"standard-img\" style=\"color:transparent\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/2b2db20775522efb7a60a095cd24d40f.jpeg\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Charles Leclerc, Ferrari, George Russell, Mercedes, Andrea Kimi Antonelli, Mercedes<\/p>\n<p>Mario Renzi \/ Formula 1 via Getty Images<\/p>\n<p>George Russell, Mercedes<img alt=\"George Russell, Mercedes\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"960\" height=\"640\" decoding=\"async\" data-nimg=\"1\" class=\"standard-img\" style=\"color:transparent\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/9082a8136fed0da88752dd4a373bc2c4.jpeg\"\/><\/p>\n<p>George Russell, Mercedes<\/p>\n<p>Mario Renzi \/ Formula 1 via Getty Images<\/p>\n<p>Charles Leclerc, Ferrari<img alt=\"Charles Leclerc, Ferrari\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"960\" height=\"640\" decoding=\"async\" data-nimg=\"1\" class=\"standard-img\" style=\"color:transparent\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/f7ceb2fac5b6611397e45fc36534dcbb.jpeg\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Charles Leclerc, Ferrari<\/p>\n<p>Mario Renzi \/ Formula 1 via Getty Images<\/p>\n<p>Andrea Kimi Antonelli, Mercedes<img alt=\"Andrea Kimi Antonelli, Mercedes\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"960\" height=\"640\" decoding=\"async\" data-nimg=\"1\" class=\"standard-img\" style=\"color:transparent\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/b3f758a16f98f15be742a22dd858fcbd.jpeg\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Andrea Kimi Antonelli, Mercedes<\/p>\n<p>Dom Gibbons \/ Formula 1 via Getty Images<\/p>\n<p>Advertisement<\/p>\n<p>George Russell, Mercedes, Andrea Kimi Antonelli, Mercedes<img alt=\"George Russell, Mercedes, Andrea Kimi Antonelli, Mercedes\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"960\" height=\"641\" decoding=\"async\" data-nimg=\"1\" class=\"standard-img\" style=\"color:transparent\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/8c35441091f3ab35c8d5827e89dc7339.jpeg\"\/><\/p>\n<p>George Russell, Mercedes, Andrea Kimi Antonelli, Mercedes<\/p>\n<p>Anni Graf &#8211; Formula 1 via Getty Images<\/p>\n<p>George Russell, Mercedes, Andrea Kimi Antonelli, Mercedes<img alt=\"George Russell, Mercedes, Andrea Kimi Antonelli, Mercedes\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"960\" height=\"640\" decoding=\"async\" data-nimg=\"1\" class=\"standard-img\" style=\"color:transparent\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/53c769efef3ba958298f853d09534167.jpeg\"\/><\/p>\n<p>George Russell, Mercedes, Andrea Kimi Antonelli, Mercedes<\/p>\n<p>Joe Portlock \/ Getty Images<\/p>\n<p>George Russell, Mercedes, Andrea Kimi Antonelli, Mercedes<img alt=\"George Russell, Mercedes, Andrea Kimi Antonelli, Mercedes\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"960\" height=\"640\" decoding=\"async\" data-nimg=\"1\" class=\"standard-img\" style=\"color:transparent\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/35c5f3a23dbc4d4d9c20449baf7e68ca.jpeg\"\/><\/p>\n<p>George Russell, Mercedes, Andrea Kimi Antonelli, Mercedes<\/p>\n<p>Joe Portlock \/ Getty Images<\/p>\n<p>Read Also:<\/p>\n<p><a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.motorsport.com\/f1\/news\/Why-many-f1-drivers-had-flat-batteries-as-they-lined-up\/10803679\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"><img alt=\"\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"413\" height=\"274\" decoding=\"async\" data-nimg=\"1\" class=\"standard-img\" style=\"color:transparent\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/27eb78e0c2e445eb8a929ec7df8b6aba.jpeg\"\/><\/a><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.motorsport.com\/f1\/news\/Why-many-f1-drivers-had-flat-batteries-as-they-lined-up\/10803679\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" data-ylk=\"slk:F1 start issues: Why so many drivers had flat batteries as they lined up on the grid;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas\" class=\"link \"> F1 start issues: Why so many drivers had flat batteries as they lined up on the grid <\/a><\/p>\n<p>To read more Motorsport.com articles <a href=\"https:\/\/www.motorsport.com\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" data-ylk=\"slk:visit our website;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas\" class=\"link \">visit our website<\/a>.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Fred Vasseur reckons Ferrari failed to \u201cput everything together\u201d in qualifying for Formula 1\u2019s Australian Grand Prix with&hellip;\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":529344,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[573],"tags":[8541,64,63,30511,13275,817,826,813,816,3875,528,10115,823,945,946,85],"class_list":["post-529343","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-formula-1","tag-aston-martin-racing","tag-au","tag-australia","tag-cadillac-racing","tag-charles-leclerc","tag-f1","tag-ferrari","tag-formula-1","tag-formula1","tag-george-russell","tag-getty-images","tag-kimi-antonelli","tag-lewis-hamilton","tag-mercedes","tag-red-bull-racing","tag-sports"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/529343","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=529343"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/529343\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/529344"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=529343"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=529343"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=529343"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}