Russell secures pole to open F1 season at Australian GP

George Russell captured pole position for the Australian Grand Prix on Saturday to open the 2026 Formula 1 season.

It’s the eighth career pole for the Mercedes driver, and his first in Melbourne. Russell finished third at the circuit during last season’s race.

It’s Mercedes’ first pole in Australia since 2019.

“It’s the first step in a long season,” Russell said.

Position
Driver
Team
Time

1
George Russell
Mercedes
1:18.518

2
Kimi Antonelli
Mercedes
+0.293

3
Isack Hadjar
Red Bull
+0.785

4
Charles Leclerc
Ferrari
+0.809

5
Oscar Piastri
McLaren
+0.862

6
Lando Norris
McLaren
+0.957

7
Lewis Hamilton
Ferrari
+0.960

8
Liam Lawson
Racing Bulls
+1.476

9
Arvid Lindblad
Racing Bulls
+2.729

10
Gabriel Bortoleto
Audi
No time

11
Nico Hulkenberg
Audi
Q2

12
Oliver Bearman
Haas
Q2

13
Esteban Ocon
Haas
Q2

14
Pierre Gasly
Alpine
Q2

15
Alex Albon
Williams
Q2

16
Franco Colapinto
Alpine
Q2

17
Fernando Alonso
Aston Martin
Q1

18
Sergio Perez
Cadillac
Q1

19
Valtteri Bottas
Cadillac
Q1

20
Max Verstappen
Red Bull
No time

21
Carlos Sainz
Williams
No time

22
Lance Stroll
Aston Martin
No time

Russell’s teammate Kimi Antonelli qualified second but is set to meet with the stewards after qualifying following an unsafe release.

Lando Norris, the reigning drivers’ champion and the 2025 winner at the Albert Park Circuit, qualified sixth.

Max Verstappen crashed into the barrier in Q1 causing a red flag and will start Sunday’s race from 20th.