Home hero, Oscar Piastri, took P1 during FP3, which saw Mercedes’ George Russell take P2 behind the McLaren driver, with Red Bull Racing’s Max Verstappen apparently turning his weekend around, rounding off the top 3.

George Russell and Max Verstappen's rivalry has been called 'concerning' as they prepare to lock horns again on Sunday at the Australian Grand Prix. Last season ended in controversy after a fiery exchange between Russell and Verstappen at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.

But ahead of the season-opening Australian Grand Prix, Verstappen reiterated that he is not the current favorite as the season begins. “Impossible to know at the moment,” said

Mercedes team principal and chief executive Toto Wolff has denied rumors on the eve of the Australian Grand Prix weekend that he’s still seeking to sign reigning F1 world champion Max Verstappen for 2026.

Formula 1 defending champion Max Verstappen downplayed Red Bull's chances at Sunday's season-opening Australian Grand Prix, saying the car is slower than their rivals and still working through some issues.

Formula One defending champion Max Verstappen downplayed Red Bull's chances at Sunday's season-opening Australian Grand Prix, saying the car is slower than their rivals and still working through some issues.