2026 Australian GP: Russell shines in Final Practice

Final practice at Albert Park Circuit was delayed by 20 minutes due to repairs to a damaged barrier at Turn 5 following the FIA Formula 3 Championship race. The overall session length remained unchanged.

Overnight, Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile initially cancelled Straight Mode between Turns 8 and 9 after drivers reported that activating the mode there reduced downforce too much and could lead to a loss of control. The decision was later reversed, as several teams argued that removing the mode would put them at a disadvantage, particularly in terms of their competitive performance during the race. The FIA is expected to review the matter again after the session.

As on the previous day, the grandstands were already full in the morning. After Friday’s practice sessions, teams made the necessary adjustments and continued preparing for qualifying and the race.

Lance Stroll did not take part in the session due to problems with the Honda power unit.

On his first lap, Carlos Sainz stopped near the pit-lane entry. Red flags were shown a few minutes later to allow his car to be recovered. Sainz walked back to the pits while the car was returned on a recovery truck. Ten minutes later the session resumed, but he did not return to the track.

Red flags appeared again with 14 minutes remaining, following a heavy crash involving Kimi Antonelli. The Mercedes-AMG Petronas Formula One Team driver spun on the kerb at Turn 2 and hit the wall at high speed. The disappointed young Italian climbed out of the cockpit on his own, but the Mercedes mechanics will now have to rebuild much of the car.

At the end of the session, there was only time for one final push lap. Drivers returned to the track on Soft tyres, and George Russell topped the timesheets with a 1:19.053, finishing six tenths faster than his closest rival.

Preparation is now complete — qualifying is up next.