F1 Qualifying
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George Russell takes pole as Mercedes lock out front row in chaotic Australian GP qualifying
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George Russell secured pole position for the 2026 Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix with a 1:18.518, leading a Mercedes 1-2 ahead of teammate Kimi Antonelli (1:18.811) in a dramatic session at Albert Park marked by crashes, repairs, and red flags. Antonelli recovered from a heavy FP3 shunt, Max Verstappen crashed out in Q1 to start 20th, and Mercedes faced a €7,500 fine for an unsafe release, underscoring their strong start under new regulations.