The 2026 Formula 1 season is officially underway, and the Australian Grand Prix at Albert Park in Melbourne delivered drama from the very first race of the year.

Mercedes dominated the opening round of F1 2026, with George Russell taking pole position and converting it into a race victory, while rookie teammate Kimi Antonelli secured P2 to complete a commanding Mercedes 1-2 finish.

Ferrari looked like genuine race-winning contenders throughout qualifying and the early stages of the race. However, a controversial strategy call during the Virtual Safety Car cost them a shot at victory, leaving Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton to settle for P3 and P4.

It was a chaotic start to the season for Red Bull Racing. Max Verstappen crashed out in Q1 but staged an impressive recovery drive from the back of the grid to finish P6. Meanwhile, Isack Hadjar shocked everyone with a P3 qualifying result, but sadly, he DNF’d during the race.

Reigning constructors’ champions McLaren also faced early-season struggles. Lando Norris salvaged a P5 finish, while Australian star Oscar Piastri suffered heartbreak after crashing on his way to the grid of his home Grand Prix.

Elsewhere, major questions are already forming around the Aston Martin F1 Team 2026 car. Reports suggest the car is extremely difficult to drive, raising speculation about whether the issues stem from the Honda power unit partnership or the new design direction under Adrian Newey.

Plus, we discuss growing driver concerns about the new 2026 Formula 1 regulations, and the early rumours surrounding uncertainty over upcoming races in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia.

In this episode of Grand Pricks, we break down everything from the 2026 Australian Grand Prix:
• F1 race results and key moments
• The Ferrari strategy disaster
• Standout driver performances and rookie debuts
• Aston Martin’s car controversy
• All the off-track drama shaping the 2026 season

And of course, we reveal our Grand Pricks Podium picks.

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