Watch thrilling Australian GP start as Leclerc seizes the lead

The 2026 Formula 1 season burst into life at Albert Park with a dramatic opening lap at the Australian Grand Prix. Ferrari made an emphatic statement, as Charles Leclerc surged past polesitter George Russell at Turn 1 to take the lead, capitalizing on a slow start by the Mercedes under new race start procedures. His teammate, Lewis Hamilton, also enjoyed a stellar getaway, climbing from seventh to third place after passing Isack Hadjar. Rookie Arvid Lindblad further added to the excitement by moving into an impressive fourth position. However, the initial moments were not without incident. McLaren's Oscar Piastri, qualifying a strong fifth, endured heartbreak at his home event, crashing out on the way to the grid. Audi's Nico Hülkenberg also faced an early exit, retiring with a technical issue shortly before the race began.