Formula 1 News: Russell’s Mercedes buries everyone in final Australian GP Practice

George Russell (pictured) unleashed the true power of the high compression ratio Mercedes engine and turned a lap of 1m19.053s around the Albert Park Circuit to top final practice for the 2026 Australian GP.

–by Mark Cipolloni–

Everyone made a last minute 1-lap flyer after Kimi Antonelli lost control of his Mercedes and destroyed the car against the barriers and Russell, on used soft tires finally showed his true hand after sandbagging in preseason testing.

Kimi Antonelli into the barrier! 😱

Here’s the sizeable crash which ended the Mercedes driver’s FP3 👇#F1 #AusGP pic.twitter.com/ZC1PrM1JE0

— Formula 1 (@F1) March 7, 2026

Lewis Hamilton was 2nd in the #44 Ferrari, 0.616s behind Russell. His Ferrari teammate, Charles Leclerc was third, 0.774s behind Russell.

The fastest driver in Practice 2, Oscar Piastri, was 4th quick in his #81 McLaren, 1.034s behind Russell.

The Red Bull Fords of Isack Hadjar and Max Verstappen were 5th and 6th, 1.084s and 1.144s behind Russell, respectively. Verstappen said he lost his power steering on his final flyer lap.

Antonelli ended the hour in seventh – amid question marks over whether his car will be repaired in time for Qualifying – while Lando Norris, Audi’s Gabriel Bortoleto and the Haas of Ollie Bearman completed the top 10.

Rookie Arvid Lindblad continued his impressive form so far in 11th for Racing Bulls, ahead of teammate Liam Lawson, Haas’ Esteban Ocon, Audi’s Nico Hulkenberg and the Alpines of Pierre Gasly and Colapinto. Albon was 17th in a tricky outing for Williams, while Alonso recorded a decent 18 laps for Aston Martin.

Who will be on pole?

Leclerc, Piastri and Russell have topped the three practice sessions. All three have quick cars, all three look comfortable.

You can throw Hamilton into that mix too, the seven-time former world champion has been rapid here from word go.

2026 Australian GP Practice 3 Results