Mercedes F1 dominance splits drivers as Charles Leclerc shocked and Max Verstappen ‘not surprised’

The Formula 1 grid is split on how much it expected Mercedes to dominate qualifying for the 2026 season-opening Australian Grand Prix after George Russell led a Silver Arrows 1-2. Russell took his eighth career pole after beating team-mate Kimi Antonelli by 0.

‘It sucks’ – Angry Lando Norris and Max Verstappen rip into ‘worst ever’ F1 cars as Australian GP descends into chaos

LANDO NORRIS and Max Verstappen have ripped into Formula One’s “worst ever” cars at the Australian GP. Verstappen, 28, crashed out of qualifying, while Norris could only finish

Max Verstappen X-ray update, Mercedes late penalty decision, Aston Martin break F1 rule

Australian Grand Prix qualifying saw Mercedes fulfil their pre-season promise, Max Verstappen crashed out, and Lance Stroll not even set a time for Aston Martin

Russell takes Melbourne pole after Verstappen crash

George Russell takes pole position as Mercedes dominate a qualifying session for the Australian Grand Prix in which Max Verstappen crashed.