George Russell will start the first race of the 2026 Formula 1 season on pole position, after an impressive qualifying performance in Melbourne. The Mercedes driver pipped his teammate Kimi Antonelli by 0.

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Antonelli will start ahead of Mercedes teammate George Russell, who breezed to victory in Australia last weekend and has since followed that up by winning Saturday's sprint race. Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT Antonelli was one of many pushing Russell for the top spot in qualifying while two other drivers under the same banner clashed earlier on in Shanghai.

Mercedes continues to enjoy a clear race pace advantage over the rest of the grid while Max Verstappen is looking to turn around a concerning start to the weekend ahead of qualifying at the Chinese Grand Prix.

It's time for Sprint qualifying at the Chinese Grand Prix, as we get to see how the grid will shape up for Saturday's 19-lap race.

Lewis Hamilton has fired a warning to his Formula One rivals after declaring he is 'back to his best' following a gritty podium finish at the Chinese Grand Prix. The 41-year-old Brit delivered a combative display in Shanghai to secure third place for Ferrari,