9 moments you missed at the Australian Grand Prix
The 2026 Australian Grand Prix once again proved to be a spectacular season opener, offering a wealth of unforgettable off-track moments alongside the on-track drama. Despite a race-day crash, local hero Oscar Piastri engaged fans with Ford car drives and a junior career memorabilia pop-up. Paddock antics were plentiful, with Isack Hadjar and Liam Lawson creating a stir with a Red Bull Soapbox car and Lawson's unique Dakar Raptor F150 arrival. The Melbourne Walk buzzed with fan interactions, while Pierre Gasly and Franco Colapinto tried their hand at cricket with Australian stars. LEGO unveiled full-size Ferrari helmets for Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton, with Leclerc particularly keen on his. The weekend also championed International Women's Day, notably with Turn 6 being renamed in honour of Red Bull's Hannah Schmitz and Esteban Ocon's race engineer Laura Mueller. Drivers like Max Verstappen, Gabriel Bortoleto, and Oliver Bearman enjoyed games of padel. On the celebratory front, Mercedes secured a 1-2 finish with George Russell and Kimi Antonelli, who recreated their iconic poses, while Arvid Lindblad achieved a memorable debut points finish, sharing a heartwarming moment with his parents. The event also attracted a host of celebrities, adding to the vibrant atmosphere.
