Full starting grid for 2026 F1 Australian Grand Prix

George Russell and Kimi Antonelli bulldozed the F1 field to roar to a Mercedes front-row lock-out at the Australian Grand Prix. 

For the first race of F1's new era, the duo were nearly eight-tenths faster than their nearest rival, Isack Hadjar of Red Bull, as Mercedes unleashed the true performance of its W17 machine.

Behind them, Max Verstappen will be 20th on the grid following a crash in Q1 caused by a car fault, with reigning world champion Lando Norris sixth, behind Charles Leclerc and Norris's own team-mate, home hero Oscar Piastri.

Lewis Hamilton is seventh, whilst Fernando Alonso is 17th, having out-qualified both Cadillacs.

Check out the full starting grid for the 2026 F1 Australian Grand Prix below!

On the recon lap to the grid prior to the formation lap, Piastri crashed at Turn 4 on the exit kerb, and will not start the grand prix, such is the damage to the McLaren. 

NOTE: Grid remains provisional until officially confirmed by the FIA.