Mercedes driver George Russell won the opening Australian Grand Prix Circuit of the Formula 1 2026 season as local hero Oscar Piastri suffered a disastrous start, crashing during the warm-up lap. Piastri sent the home fans into a shock as the 24-year-old, who finished third in the 2025 F1 drivers’ standings, lost control of his McLaren car while coming out of Turn 4 at the circuit in Melbourne.

Turn 4 at the Albert Park is one of the fastest parts of the track. And this is where Piastri lost control of his car as it spun and hit the barriers, suffering severe impact and ruling the driver out of the race.

Russell wins Melbourne GP, Piastri crashes 

Thankfully, Piastri did not suffer any physical damage, but he would certainly have been bitterly disappointed at not finishing the home race.

His partner and 2025 world champion, Lando Norris, finished the Melbourne Grand Prix in fifth position, missing out on the podium in the first race of the season.

Oscar Piastri has crashed and is OUT of the Australian Grand Prix before it begins 😮#F1 #AusGP pic.twitter.com/5prGby7dNC

— Formula 1 (@F1) March 8, 2026

It was double delight for Mercedes as youngster Kimi Antonelli came second on Sunday, while Charles Leclerc of Ferrari was third. Lewis Hamilton would be somewhat happy that he finished fourth.

Four-time world champion Max Verstappen finished sixth in the Red Bull.

George Russell and Kimi Antonelli were also at the top in the qualifying as they made it a Mercedes 1-2.

F1 live streaming: The F1 2026 races in India are being streamed live on the FanCode app and website.

More to follow…