The enthusiastic crowd at Albert Park – deprived of its favourite driver even before the race began – witnessed the first historic Mercedes win of Formula 1’s new era, despite a lightning-fast start and subsequent challenge from Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc.
Here’s our recap in pictures of Sunday’s action at the Australian GP, round 1 of the 2026 Formula 1 World Championship.
(L to R): Max Verstappen (NLD) Red Bull Racing with Isack Hadjar (FRA) Red Bull Racing on the drivers' parade.
08.03.2026. Formula 1 World Championship, Rd 1, Australian Grand Prix, Albert Park, Melbourne, Australia, Race Day.
- www.xpbimages.com, EMail: requests@xpbimages.com © Copyright: Price / XPB Imagesmore Mario Andretti (USA) Cadillac Formula 1 Team Ambassador.
08.03.2026. Formula 1 World Championship, Rd 1, Australian Grand Prix, Albert Park, Melbourne, Australia, Race Day.
- www.xpbimages.com, EMail: requests@xpbimages.com © Copyright: Price / XPB Imagesmore Fernando Alonso (ESP) Aston Martin F1 Team on the drivers' parade.
08.03.2026. Formula 1 World Championship, Rd 1, Australian Grand Prix, Albert Park, Melbourne, Australia, Race Day.
- www.xpbimages.com, EMail: requests@xpbimages.com © Copyright: Price / XPB Imagesmore (L to R): Andrea Kimi Antonelli (ITA) Mercedes AMG Formula One Team with Lewis Hamilton (GBR) Scuderia Ferrari on the drivers' parade.
08.03.2026. Formula 1 World Championship, Rd 1, Australian Grand Prix, Albert Park, Melbourne, Australia, Race Day.
- www.xpbimages.com, EMail: requests@xpbimages.com © Copyright: Price / XPB Imagesmore Drivers gather for the start of season photograph.
08.03.2026. Formula 1 World Championship, Rd 1, Australian Grand Prix, Albert Park, Melbourne, Australia, Race Day.
- www.xpbimages.com, EMail: requests@xpbimages.com © Copyright: Charniaux / XPB Imagesmore The drivers' start of season photograph.
08.03.2026. Formula 1 World Championship, Rd 1, Australian Grand Prix, Albert Park, Melbourne, Australia, Race Day.
- www.xpbimages.com, EMail: requests@xpbimages.com © Copyright: Charniaux / XPB Imagesmore (L to R): Oscar Piastri (AUS) McLaren F1 Team MCL40 and Max Verstappen (NLD) Red Bull Racing at the start of season photograph.
08.03.2026. Formula 1 World Championship, Rd 1, Australian Grand Prix, Albert Park, Melbourne, Australia, Race Day.
- www.xpbimages.com, EMail: requests@xpbimages.com © Copyright: Charniaux / XPB Imagesmore (L to R): Oscar Piastri (AUS) McLaren F1 Team and Lando Norris (GBR) McLaren F1 Team on the drivers' parade.
08.03.2026. Formula 1 World Championship, Rd 1, Australian Grand Prix, Albert Park, Melbourne, Australia, Race Day.
- www.xpbimages.com, EMail: requests@xpbimages.com © Copyright: Charniaux / XPB Imagesmore (L to R): Jenson Button (GBR) Sky Sports F1 Presenter / Aston Martin F1 Team Ambassador with Eddie Irvine (GBR) and Edmund Irvine Sr. (GBR).
08.03.2026. Formula 1 World Championship, Rd 1, Australian Grand Prix, Albert Park, Melbourne, Australia, Race Day.
- www.xpbimages.com, EMail: requests@xpbimages.com © Copyright: Batchelor / XPB Imagesmore Lando Norris (GBR) McLaren F1 Team MCL40 on the grid.
08.03.2026. Formula 1 World Championship, Rd 1, Australian Grand Prix, Albert Park, Melbourne, Australia, Race Day.
- www.xpbimages.com, EMail: requests@xpbimages.com © Copyright: Price / XPB Imagesmore Andrea Kimi Antonelli (ITA) Mercedes AMG Formula One Team.
08.03.2026. Formula 1 World Championship, Rd 1, Australian Grand Prix, Albert Park, Melbourne, Australia, Race Day.
- www.xpbimages.com, EMail: requests@xpbimages.com © Copyright: Price / XPB Imagesmore (L to R): Flavio Briatore (ITA) Alpine F1 Team Executive Advisor with Chloe Stroll (CDN) on the grid.
08.03.2026. Formula 1 World Championship, Rd 1, Australian Grand Prix, Albert Park, Melbourne, Australia, Race Day.
- www.xpbimages.com, EMail: requests@xpbimages.com © Copyright: Moy / XPB Imagesmore Isack Hadjar (FRA) Red Bull Racing on the grid.
08.03.2026. Formula 1 World Championship, Rd 1, Australian Grand Prix, Albert Park, Melbourne, Australia, Race Day.
- www.xpbimages.com, EMail: requests@xpbimages.com © Copyright: Moy / XPB Imagesmore Valtteri Bottas (FIN) Cadillac Formula 1 Team MAC-26 on the grid.
08.03.2026. Formula 1 World Championship, Rd 1, Australian Grand Prix, Albert Park, Melbourne, Australia, Race Day.
- www.xpbimages.com, EMail: requests@xpbimages.com © Copyright: Bearne / XPB Imagesmore Fernando Alonso (ESP) Aston Martin F1 Team AMR26 on the grid.
08.03.2026. Formula 1 World Championship, Rd 1, Australian Grand Prix, Albert Park, Melbourne, Australia, Race Day.
- www.xpbimages.com, EMail: requests@xpbimages.com © Copyright: Bearne / XPB Imagesmore Cadillac Formula 1 Team celebrates their first F1 Grand Prix of 2026.
08.03.2026. Formula 1 World Championship, Rd 1, Australian Grand Prix, Albert Park, Melbourne, Australia, Race Day.
- www.xpbimages.com, EMail: requests@xpbimages.com © Copyright: Bearne / XPB Imagesmore George Russell (GBR) Mercedes AMG Formula One Team W17 leads at the start of the race.
08.03.2026. Formula 1 World Championship, Rd 1, Australian Grand Prix, Albert Park, Melbourne, Australia, Race Day.
- www.xpbimages.com, EMail: requests@xpbimages.com © Copyright: Moy / XPB Imagesmore George Russell (GBR) Mercedes AMG Formula One Team W17 leads at the start of the race.
08.03.2026. Formula 1 World Championship, Rd 1, Australian Grand Prix, Albert Park, Melbourne, Australia, Race Day.
- www.xpbimages.com, EMail: requests@xpbimages.com © Copyright: Moy / XPB Imagesmore Charles Leclerc (MON) Scuderia Ferrari SF-26 leads at the start of the race.
08.03.2026. Formula 1 World Championship, Rd 1, Australian Grand Prix, Albert Park, Melbourne, Australia, Race Day.
- www.xpbimages.com, EMail: requests@xpbimages.com © Copyright: Bearne / XPB Imagesmore Charles Leclerc (MON) Scuderia Ferrari SF-26 leads at the start of the race.
08.03.2026. Formula 1 World Championship, Rd 1, Australian Grand Prix, Albert Park, Melbourne, Australia, Race Day.
- www.xpbimages.com, EMail: requests@xpbimages.com © Copyright: Price / XPB Imagesmore George Russell (GBR) Mercedes AMG Formula One Team W17 is passed by Charles Leclerc (MON) Scuderia Ferrari SF-26 at the start of the race.
08.03.2026. Formula 1 World Championship, Rd 1, Australian Grand Prix, Albert Park, Melbourne, Australia, Race Day.
- www.xpbimages.com, EMail: requests@xpbimages.com © Copyright: Dunbar / XPB Imagesmore Pierre Gasly (FRA) Alpine F1 Team A526 at the start of the race.
08.03.2026. Formula 1 World Championship, Rd 1, Australian Grand Prix, Albert Park, Melbourne, Australia, Race Day.
- www.xpbimages.com, EMail: requests@xpbimages.com © Copyright: Dunbar / XPB Imagesmore Charles Leclerc (MON) Scuderia Ferrari SF-26 leads at the start of the race.
08.03.2026. Formula 1 World Championship, Rd 1, Australian Grand Prix, Albert Park, Melbourne, Australia, Race Day.
- www.xpbimages.com, EMail: requests@xpbimages.com © Copyright: Price / XPB Imagesmore Oliver Bearman (GBR) Haas F1 Team VF-26.
08.03.2026. Formula 1 World Championship, Rd 1, Australian Grand Prix, Albert Park, Melbourne, Australia, Race Day.
- www.xpbimages.com, EMail: requests@xpbimages.com © Copyright: Dunbar / XPB Imagesmore George Russell (GBR) Mercedes AMG Formula One Team W17.
08.03.2026. Formula 1 World Championship, Rd 1, Australian Grand Prix, Albert Park, Melbourne, Australia, Race Day.
- www.xpbimages.com, EMail: requests@xpbimages.com © Copyright: Bearne / XPB Imagesmore Lando Norris (GBR) McLaren F1 Team MCL40.
08.03.2026. Formula 1 World Championship, Rd 1, Australian Grand Prix, Albert Park, Melbourne, Australia, Race Day.
- www.xpbimages.com, EMail: requests@xpbimages.com © Copyright: Bearne / XPB Imagesmore Esteban Ocon (FRA) Haas F1 Team VF-26.
08.03.2026. Formula 1 World Championship, Rd 1, Australian Grand Prix, Albert Park, Melbourne, Australia, Race Day.
- www.xpbimages.com, EMail: requests@xpbimages.com © Copyright: Bearne / XPB Imagesmore Lewis Hamilton (GBR) Scuderia Ferrari SF-26.
08.03.2026. Formula 1 World Championship, Rd 1, Australian Grand Prix, Albert Park, Melbourne, Australia, Race Day.
- www.xpbimages.com, EMail: requests@xpbimages.com © Copyright: Dunbar / XPB Imagesmore Arvid Lindblad (GBR) Racing Bulls Formula One Team VCARB 03.
08.03.2026. Formula 1 World Championship, Rd 1, Australian Grand Prix, Albert Park, Melbourne, Australia, Race Day.
- www.xpbimages.com, EMail: requests@xpbimages.com © Copyright: Dunbar / XPB Imagesmore Isack Hadjar (FRA) Red Bull Racing RB22.
08.03.2026. Formula 1 World Championship, Rd 1, Australian Grand Prix, Albert Park, Melbourne, Australia, Race Day.
- www.xpbimages.com, EMail: requests@xpbimages.com © Copyright: Dunbar / XPB Imagesmore Arvid Lindblad (GBR) Racing Bulls Formula One Team VCARB 03.
08.03.2026. Formula 1 World Championship, Rd 1, Australian Grand Prix, Albert Park, Melbourne, Australia, Race Day.
- www.xpbimages.com, EMail: requests@xpbimages.com © Copyright: Moy / XPB Imagesmore Lewis Hamilton (GBR) Scuderia Ferrari SF-26.
08.03.2026. Formula 1 World Championship, Rd 1, Australian Grand Prix, Albert Park, Melbourne, Australia, Race Day.
- www.xpbimages.com, EMail: requests@xpbimages.com © Copyright: Moy / XPB Imagesmore Sergio Perez (MEX) Cadillac Formula 1 Team MAC-26.
08.03.2026. Formula 1 World Championship, Rd 1, Australian Grand Prix, Albert Park, Melbourne, Australia, Race Day.
- www.xpbimages.com, EMail: requests@xpbimages.com © Copyright: Moy / XPB Imagesmore Esteban Ocon (FRA) Haas F1 Team VF-26.
08.03.2026. Formula 1 World Championship, Rd 1, Australian Grand Prix, Albert Park, Melbourne, Australia, Race Day.
- www.xpbimages.com, EMail: requests@xpbimages.com © Copyright: Moy / XPB Imagesmore Lance Stroll (CDN) Aston Martin F1 Team AMR26 leaves the pits.
08.03.2026. Formula 1 World Championship, Rd 1, Australian Grand Prix, Albert Park, Melbourne, Australia, Race Day.
- www.xpbimages.com, EMail: requests@xpbimages.com © Copyright: Moy / XPB Imagesmore Lando Norris (GBR) McLaren F1 Team MCL40.
08.03.2026. Formula 1 World Championship, Rd 1, Australian Grand Prix, Albert Park, Melbourne, Australia, Race Day.
- www.xpbimages.com, EMail: requests@xpbimages.com © Copyright: Price / XPB Imagesmore Race winner George Russell (GBR) Mercedes AMG Formula One Team W17 enters parc ferme.
08.03.2026. Formula 1 World Championship, Rd 1, Australian Grand Prix, Albert Park, Melbourne, Australia, Race Day.
- www.xpbimages.com, EMail: requests@xpbimages.com © Copyright: Bearne / XPB Imagesmore Second placed Andrea Kimi Antonelli (ITA) Mercedes AMG Formula One Team enters parc ferme.
08.03.2026. Formula 1 World Championship, Rd 1, Australian Grand Prix, Albert Park, Melbourne, Australia, Race Day.
- www.xpbimages.com, EMail: requests@xpbimages.com © Copyright: Bearne / XPB Imagesmore Mercedes AMG F1 Formula One Team celebrates a 1-2 finish for the team.
08.03.2026. Formula 1 World Championship, Rd 1, Australian Grand Prix, Albert Park, Melbourne, Australia, Race Day.
- www.xpbimages.com, EMail: requests@xpbimages.com © Copyright: Moy / XPB Imagesmore Race winner George Russell (GBR) Mercedes AMG Formula One Team celebrates on the podium.
08.03.2026. Formula 1 World Championship, Rd 1, Australian Grand Prix, Albert Park, Melbourne, Australia, Race Day.
- www.xpbimages.com, EMail: requests@xpbimages.com © Copyright: Moy / XPB Imagesmore Charles Leclerc (MON) Scuderia Ferrari celebrates his third position on the podium.
08.03.2026. Formula 1 World Championship, Rd 1, Australian Grand Prix, Albert Park, Melbourne, Australia, Race Day.
- www.xpbimages.com, EMail: requests@xpbimages.com © Copyright: Price / XPB Imagesmore Andrea Kimi Antonelli (ITA) Mercedes AMG Formula One Team celebrates his second position on the podium.
08.03.2026. Formula 1 World Championship, Rd 1, Australian Grand Prix, Albert Park, Melbourne, Australia, Race Day.
- www.xpbimages.com, EMail: requests@xpbimages.com © Copyright: Dunbar / XPB Imagesmore Race winner George Russell (GBR) Mercedes AMG Formula One Team celebrates on the podium with team mate Andrea Kimi Antonelli (ITA) Mercedes AMG Formula One Team.
08.03.2026. Formula 1 World Championship, Rd 1, Australian Grand Prix, Albert Park, Melbourne, Australia, Race Day.
- www.xpbimages.com, EMail: requests@xpbimages.com © Copyright: Batchelor / XPB Imagesmore The podium (L to R): Andrea Kimi Antonelli (ITA) Mercedes AMG Formula One Team, second; Hywel Thomas (GBR) Mercedes AMG High Performance Powertrains Managing Director; George Russell (GBR) Mercedes AMG Formula One Team, race winner; Charles Leclerc (MON) Scuderia Ferrari, third.
08.03.2026. Formula 1 World Championship, Rd 1, Australian Grand Prix, Albert Park, Melbourne, Australia, Race Day.
- www.xpbimages.com, EMail: requests@xpbimages.com © Copyright: Moy / XPB Imagesmore The podium (L to R): Andrea Kimi Antonelli (ITA) Mercedes AMG Formula One Team, second; Hywel Thomas (GBR) Mercedes AMG High Performance Powertrains Managing Director; George Russell (GBR) Mercedes AMG Formula One Team, race winner; Charles Leclerc (MON) Scuderia Ferrari, third.
08.03.2026. Formula 1 World Championship, Rd 1, Australian Grand Prix, Albert Park, Melbourne, Australia, Race Day.
- www.xpbimages.com, EMail: requests@xpbimages.com © Copyright: Moy / XPB Imagesmore
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