Australian GP: George Russell and Charles Leclerc react to thrilling battle

Monday 9 March 2026 06:25, UK

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George Russell was in buoyant mood after triumphing at the Australian Grand Prix.

'It was mega' | Russell thrilled after winning season opener

Highlights from the 2026 Australian Grand Prix.

Australian Grand Prix | Race highlights

Anthony Davidson was at the SkyPad to look back on how Oscar Piastri crashed his McLaren on the way to the grid ahead of his home race in Australia.

What happened to Oscar? Analysis of Piastri's crash on way to grid

Despite having won his maiden world title last year, McLaren's Lando Norris insists he's never been hungrier as he bids to defend his crown.

Norris: Hunger to win 'higher than ever'

Ted Kravitz analyses whether Ferrari will finally win either the drivers or constructors world title again this season.

Can Ferrari finally win the world title again?

Charles Leclerc discusses whether Ferrari have an advantage over their rivals at the race start before Jenson Button and Martin Brundle preview how things could play out on Sunday.

'I don't expect them to struggle at all' | Can Ferrari make flying start in race?

Despite only qualifying seventh, Lewis Hamilton remains optimistic about his prospects with Ferrari this year.

'Not the best qualifying' | Hamilton 'super motivated' despite P7 finish

Isack Hadjar impressed, qualifying third in Australia in his first race with new team Red Bull.

'I believe I'm very good' | Hadjar refusing to get carried away after qualifying third

After crashing at the end of Q3, Kimi Antonelli was 'grateful' to his mechanics as the Mercedes driver qualified second in Melbourne.

'So grateful to mechanics' | Antonelli pleased after qualifying second

George Russell and his Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff were thrilled after securing a dominant pole in the season opener.

'It feels like the good old days' | Russell and Toto delighted with pole

George Russell secured the opening pole position of the season in his Mercedes at the Australian Grand Prix.

'Mr Saturday comes good!' | Russell claims opening pole of season

Red Bull's Max Verstappen was left bemused after he crashed out of Q1 at the Australian Grand Prix.

'I've never experienced that in my life' | Verstappen surprised by Q1 crash