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The 2026 season roared into life at Melbourne’s Albert Park with drama, surprises and a few bruised egos scattered up and down the paddock. From dominant and incisive displays at the front to difficult afternoons at the back, here’s how every driver stacked up in the 2026 Australian Grand Prix.
Nico Hulkenberg, Audi (DNS) – N/A
A weekend to forget for the German veteran. A technical gremlin decided his Audi had seen enough of Melbourne before the lights even went out. You can’t score the "Hulk" for a race he never started, but the frustration on his face suggested he’d have preferred a mechanical DNF on lap 50 over a spectator role from the garage.
Oscar Piastri, McLaren (DNS) – N/A
Melbourne was supposed to be the weekend for Oscar Piastri to soak up the home-hero adoration. Instead, a crash on his way to the grid meant the McLaren never took the start. Thousands of papaya-clad fans were left holding their flags with nothing to cheer for. A brutal twist of fate for the local favorite.
