Australia 2026: pre-qualifying

This is up a day earlier than standard due to Australia’s irksome start time (really hope I get up in time for the 4am race start as that could be quite something).

Notes

A few quick notes I made after testing I missed from the previous post:

Williams being a bit on the chunky side could make them sluggish in slow corners, (might be improved since testing, though).

McLaren at the final test didn’t have the latest Mercedes engine so were slightly underpowered.

Mercedes may be slightly better on cooling than other teams. Likely handy for hot races but could reverse their usually good performance in Las Vegas’ colder conditions.

On the engine question, a change to the compression ratio measurement will take effect from 1 June. We will see if this has a real impact.

Big Questions

Will it be as hard to follow and overtake as widely anticipated?

Will the season end up being an engine formula with a huge advantage for Mercedes (or someone else)?

Will better energy harvesting/deployment mean that there’s a significant step up for Red Bull in race pace compared to single lap pace in qualifying?

Practice 1 and 2

It’s near certain Aston Martin won’t finish with either car, if reports are accurate, but good luck being able to back that. Also, Bottas had a hangover penalty from a couple of years ago, but this has been cancelled. He might still be on the back row.

Fittingly for the Year of the Horse, FP1 had a Ferrari 1-2, with Leclerc four-tenths ahead of Hamilton. Verstappen was close behind and a few tenths up on his new team mate Hadjar, with Lindblad fifth on the timesheet but a second off the ultimate pace. Piastri, Russell, and Antonelli followed in short order, with a few tenths further back to Bortoleto, himself a few tenths up on Audi team mate Hulkenberg. Norris was down in 19th but only did 7 laps. Stroll was 21st with 3 laps and Alonso did not even complete one.

In FP1, Piastri did have a brief absence of electrical power. This got mended but if it recurs in qualifying or the race that’s losing half his power. Alonso’s absence was due to his engine failing to play at all. Perez had a spin due to ‘engine braking issues’.

And to so FP2, which had Piastri top, two-tenths ahead of Antonelli, who was a tenth up on Russell. Hamilton was a thousandth off his fellow Briton, and two-tenths up on Leclerc. Verstappen was less than a tenth slower, with Norris four-tenths further back. Lindblad, Hadjar, and Ocon rounded out the top 10.

A slow Colapinto forced Hamilton into evasive action, and there was contact between Russell and Lindblad in the pit lane. These incidents will be investigated, so there might be a penalty or two. Verstappen stalled and was stuck briefly in the pit lane. Alonso did make it out onto the track for 18 laps.



The early practice times meant I caught none of that live, and given how things stand (and that I’m mildly pestilent and not at my best) I’m not inclined to bet. If you do, I’d suggest considering something like Antonelli each way, or perhaps Audi to make Q3 as both drivers look good and with lock-ups plentiful this could open up an extra spot or two.

Qualifying is at 5am UK time.


Morris