The 2026 Formula One season begins in Melbourne this week, and we’re backing George Russell to get off to a flying start in our Australian Grand Prix predictions.
All the talk throughout testing has been about how Mercedes will have an early advantage this term after adapting best to radical new regulations.
Russell looks perfectly placed to capitalise on the impressive speed and reliability shown and is a worthy favourite at 2/1 in the Australian Grand Prix odds.
Australia GP Betting Odds
Australian Grand Prix Betting Odds – Formula 1
Result | Odds | Chance |
|---|---|---|
George Russell | 2/1 | 33.3% |
Charles Leclerc | 7/2 | 22.2% |
Max Verstappen | 4/1 | 20% |
Andrea Kimi Antonelli | 7/1 | 12.5% |
Oscar Piastri | 7/1 | 12.5% |
Lewis Hamilton | 9/1 | 10% |
Lando Norris | 12/1 | 7.7% |
Bar | 66/1 | 1.5% |
Australian Grand Prix Betting Preview
How to Watch
How to Watch the Australian Grand Prix
Sunday’s Qatar Airways Australian Grand Prix has a UK start time of 04.00 GMT and will be broadcast live on Sky Sports F1, along with all of the earlier practice and qualifying sessions.
George Russell
Russell Ready To Capitalise On Early Mercedes Edge
A major upheaval of the sport’s technical rulebook has prompted the need for new chassis, engines, tyres and fuel in 2026, and the vibes are Mercedes have managed to crack the code first.
The Brackley -based outfit won eight consecutive constructors’ championships between 2014 and 2021 but failed to get a true grip of F1 ’s last set of regulations. However, Toto Wolff’s team appear to be back on track heading into this campaign, with the Austrian declaring: “We are happy people.”
Russell took his tally of career race wins to five last term with victories in Canada and Singapore and had seven other podium finishes, including at Albert Park in Melbourne. Having recently turned 28, the British driver has exuded a calm confidence in the build-up to this curtain raiser.
“Everyone here has worked flat-out to maximise this set of regulations, and I am so excited by the challenge because it is a huge challenge adapting to these new cars,” said Russell . “There are a lot of things we need to learn very quickly, but I feel I can take advantage of that, and I feel confident in myself and in the team.”
The Chasing Pack
Red Bull And Ferrari Rated Biggest Threats
Max Verstappen is the 4/1 third favourite in the Australian Grand Prix outright odds as Red Bull embark on a new era using their own engines. It was a pleasant surprise to see their power unit appear instantly efficient and reliable in testing, and the four-time world champion did win here in 2023.
Verstappen was second in Melbourne 12 months ago but failed to finish in 2022 and 2024, so we need more evidence that there will be no teething problems. Ferrari have taken a bold approach to this year’s required realignment and showed good pace in testing, which means 10/3 for Charles Leclerc to claim pole position will tempt some.
Lewis Hamilton struggled in his first season with the Prancing Horse outfit but insists he is “still standing, still hungry, still focused on the dream” and has vowed there will be “no holding back” ahead of his 20th season in Formula One . The 41-year-old, the most decorated driver in F1 history and successful here in 2008 and 2015, was out-qualified and out-scored by Leclerc throughout last season, but should be suited by the lighter and smaller cars.
Hamilton’s army of fans can get 5/2 for him to secure a podium finish, something he failed to manage last term. McLaren were dominant in 2025, but the early signs are they have fallen off, with Lando Norris 12/1 to make it back-to-back Melbourne victories and Oscar Piastri 7/1 to prevail on home turf.
Australian GP Betting Tips
Australian Grand Prix Betting Tips
Lewis Hamilton To Podium @ 5/2
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