Mercedes are mighty, but can Ferrari fight in 2026? Australian GP Review
F1 Nation
Formula 1
4.3 • 1.2K Ratings
🗓️ 9 March 2026
⏱️ 55 minutes
🧾️ Download transcript
Summary
Tom Clarkson is joined in the Albert Park paddock by former F1 driver Jolyon Palmer and Channel 10’s Richard Craill to reflect on an entertaining season opener in Melbourne.
Mercedes took the first victory of this new era of Formula 1, with George Russell leading Kimi Antonelli to a 1-2 finish. George might be the favourite to become World Champion, but could Kimi challenge him for the duration of the season?
Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc finished third, ahead of teammate Lewis Hamilton in fourth. Can they take the fight to Mercedes this year? And could we see Hamilton back on the top step?
Plus, the guys discuss how far behind Red Bull and McLaren are, a sensational F1 debut from Racing Bulls rookie Arvid Lindblad, points for Audi in their first race, and why there may be signs of encouragement for Aston Martin after a very challenging start to the season.
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Transcript
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| 0:00.0 | The great thing about potential is it has no concept of time. |
| 0:04.0 | It doesn't care what day it is or how old you are. |
| 0:08.0 | It doesn't care where you're from or what you used to do. |
| 0:11.0 | It simply waits patiently for the day you decide to use it. |
| 0:17.0 | So go on. |
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| 0:23.0 | can help you make the most of your potential. It all starts with skills. Search skills for life. |
| 0:32.4 | The pre-season favorite begins with a win. George Russell wins the Australian Grand Prix. |
| 0:42.8 | Very nice, very nice. I like this car. I like this engine. |
| 0:51.5 | George has got an opportunity, doesn't he? He's got the best Formula One car on the grid at the moment. |
| 0:56.9 | He's got all of the tools in the Arsenal now to do the job on a consistent basis. |
| 1:01.1 | What about Kimmy Antonelli? |
| 1:03.1 | Do you think he can present a season-long challenge to Russell? |
| 1:06.7 | This is where George is going to have to be the best version of George Russell, isn't he? |
| 1:10.7 | Are Ferrari close enough to make a proper race of this? |
| 1:14.6 | I think Ferrari are close enough. |
| 1:16.2 | Are you talking yourself into a Lewis Hamilton victory this year, JP? |
| 1:19.2 | It's happening. |
| 1:21.3 | I think Lewis Hamilton will definitely be on the top set this year. |
| 1:24.7 | Being serious for a set, you do believe. |
| 1:26.3 | I'm not joking. I think yeah. I think he will. |
| 1:28.4 | I've just got to go and work out how we break this piastry curse and get him to the finish |
... |
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