George Russell planted himself emphatically on pole at the Australian Grand Prix, confirming his position as favourite for the world championship. Isack Hadjar, on his Red Bull debut, was an impressive third – though a giant eight-tenths back from Russell. But, no matter what Verstappen might have achieved, it is clear that Mercedes hold a royal flush after four years as ‘jokers’. His team rebuilt his car at speed and the 19-year-old Italian was resilient in bouncing back, however distant he was from Russell. After his accident, the Dutchman raged over the radio: ‘The car just f****** locked up on the rear axles.

Source: Daily Mail March 07, 2026 11:30 UTC