Live qualifying results, news from Albert Park, grid positions as Lando Norris, Oscar Piastri, Lewis Hamilton, Max Verstappen and George Russell fight for pole position
After weeks of underplaying their pace, Mercedes finally revealed their true pace at Albert Park on Saturday afternoon; George Russell set the fastest lap in a dramatic third practice session marred by red flags and dramatic crashes.
Russell clocked a blistering lap time of 1:19.053, but Mercedes mechanics are racing against the clock to repair teammate Kimi Antonelli’s car after the teenager crashed into the barrier; The young Italian gun walks away unscathed.
Kimi Antonelli crashed before qualifying at Albert Park.Credit: Credit: Ten
Russell’s thrilling lap was six-tenths of a second faster than Ferrari’s Lewis Hamilton in second, followed by Charles Leclerc and Australia’s Oscar Piastri in fourth.
Piastri completed an impressive second practice session on Friday, setting the fastest lap of the day, but struggled with the pace early on Saturday.
F1 fans watching Saturday’s practice session experienced what the first qualifying session of 2026 could bring: multiple delays, red flags and crashes.
Antonelli and Mercedes are racing against time to get their car in time for qualifying.
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