F1 Qualifying
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George Russell on pole as Mercedes 1-2 in chaotic 2026 Australian GP qualifying
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George Russell claimed pole position for the 2026 Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix with a lap of 1:18.518 ahead of Mercedes teammate Kimi Antonelli (1:18.811), who recovered from a heavy FP3 crash. The Albert Park session was marred by Max Verstappen's Q1 shunt (starting 20th), red flags, and a €7,500 fine for Mercedes' unsafe release, underscoring their dominance under new regulations.