New Formula 1 season begins: George Russell takes pole position

The 2026 Formula 1 season officially began with qualifying sessions held at the Albert Park Circuit in Melbourne. Teams fought fiercely to secure pole position in the season's opening race.

Mercedes driver George Russell, who set the fastest lap, earned the right to start tomorrow's race from the front row. His teammate Kimi Antonelli managed to secure the second spot right behind Russell. Third place in the standings went to Isack Hadjar, racing for Red Bull.

While Charles Leclerc, driving for Ferrari, found himself in fourth place, Oscar Piastri will start from fifth and Lando Norris from sixth for McLaren. Lewis Hamilton settled into seventh place with Mercedes. Racing Bulls drivers Arvid Lindblad and Liam Lawson finished eighth and ninth, respectively. Gabriel Bortoleto from Audi completed the top ten.

The event that marked the first part of the qualifying session was the crash experienced by Red Bull star Max Verstappen. The Dutch driver lost control of his car and hit the barriers, failing to complete the session and losing his chance at pole position. Three-time world champion Verstappen will start tomorrow's race from the 20th position at the back of the grid.

In the Q1 stage, Lance Stroll (Aston Martin), Carlos Sainz (Williams), Valtteri Bottas (Cadillac), Sergio Perez (Cadillac), and Fernando Alonso (Aston Martin) were among those eliminated. In Q2, Alpine team drivers Franco Colapinto and Pierre Gasly, Alex Albon from Williams, Esteban Ocon and Oliver Bearman from Haas, and Nico Hulkenberg from Audi failed to make it into the top 10.

The opening race of the 2026 Formula 1 season will be held tomorrow morning in Melbourne. Teams and fans are experiencing great excitement for the competition to come in the new season.

News Source: 12punto