Thrilling on-track performance

When the lights finally went out on Sunday afternoon, Albert Park delivered the drama fans had been waiting for.

Pole sitter George Russell initially lost the lead to Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc at the start, while teammate Kimi Antonelli dropped down the order in the opening laps – but the team’s strategy soon came into play.

A virtual safety car triggered by mechanical retirements reshuffled the race, allowing both drivers to make crucial pit stops at the perfect moment. Ferrari, caught out by timing, was forced to stop later under racing conditions, handing the advantage back to the Silver Arrows.

From there, George controlled the race while Kimi climbed back through the field. The pair eventually crossed the line to deliver a commanding 1–2 finish for Mercedes-AMG, marking George’s sixth career victory.

Charles finished third, with teammate Lewis Hamilton fourth, while Lando Norris and Max Verstappen rounded out the top six.

The race was also notable as the first competitive test of F1®’s sweeping 2026 technical regulations, which introduced new power-unit architecture and aerodynamic concepts aimed at reshaping the sport’s competitive order.

The Mercedes-AMG race-day experience

For many team supporters, the heart of the race weekend is the Mercedes-AMG Lounge and Grandstand, where fans gather to watch the action overlooking the track’s turns nine and 10 in style.

One again, guests were treated to premium hospitality, with food from some of Melbourne’s most celebrated restaurants including 400 Gradi, Sushi Baby, Atlantic Grill and Tipo 00. Between sessions on track, the Lounge buzzed with conversation as fans and an impressive smattering of celebrities mingled.

Adding to the excitement was, as always, an impressive display of Mercedes-Benz vehicles positioned throughout the lounge and grandstand precinct.

One of the highlights was the new Mercedes-Maybach SL 680, making its debut appearance and immediately drawing crowds with its striking MANUFAKTUR Opalite White Magno finish. Nearby, the Mercedes-Maybach GLS 600 and Mercedes-Benz S 580 L 4MATIC Saloon showcased elegance at its finest.

Performance fans gravitated toward the Mercedes-AMG GT 63 PRO 4MATIC+, positioned dramatically in the entry tunnel, while the rugged Mercedes-AMG G 63 Offroad PRO sat prominently on a purpose-built off-road display. Other models, including the Mercedes-AMG CLE 53 and Mercedes-AMG GLC 63 Coupé rounded out the display.

Over by the Grandstand, the Mercedes-AMG GT Medical Car gave fans a closer look at the technology used to keep drivers safe during race weekends.

Adding to the atmosphere was a special appearance by Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team principal Toto Wolff, who addressed fans and thanked them for their continued support.

“It’s incredible to see this kind of energy from the fans,” Toto told the crowd. “Melbourne always delivers one of the best atmospheres in Formula 1®.”

Drivers George Russell and Kimi Antonelli and other key personnel also turned up over the course of the weekend for on-stage interviews in the Lounge before the serious racing got underway on the weekend.

An exciting season ahead

With George leading the drivers’ championship after the opening race and rookie Kimi delivering a sensational second place, the Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team left Melbourne with renewed momentum.

For the thousands of fans who packed Albert Park wearing the colours of the Silver Arrows, the weekend delivered everything they’d hoped for: world-class racing, an electric atmosphere and a glimpse of what could be a championship-contending season.

“It’s the best way to start the year,” said Melbourne local Daniel, a major George Russell fan. “A Mercedes 1-2 in the first race? You couldn’t ask for more.”

Another fan, Sarah, said the atmosphere inside the Lounge made the weekend even more memorable. “You feel like part of the team. Watching the race with other supporters of the Mercedes-AMG team, seeing the cars on display, hearing Toto speak – it makes the whole experience special.”

For longtime F1® fan Michael, in town for the race from Queensland, the result felt like a turning point. “It’s been a while since Mercedes looked this strong at the start of a season,” he said. “If this pace continues, it could be a very exciting championship.”

And if the scenes at the Mercedes-AMG Lounge and Grandstand are anything to go by, the Silver Arrows faithful will be cheering louder than ever as the 2026 F1® season unfolds.

Want to go behind the scenes of the action? See how the team prepared for race weekend.