George Russell gave the world a potential indication of just how quick Mercedes can be with a blistering lap to take top spot in FP3 for the Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix.
The Silver Arrows have been speculated to be the quickest team for some while, and amid accusations of sandbagging, the British driver pulled out a big lap near the end of the session.
However, it was a session of mixed fortunes for the Brackley-based squad in Melbourne, as Andrea Kimi Antonelli suffered a massive crash late in the session, which brought out the red flag.
Carlos Sainz endured a technical fault with his Williams early on, the FW48 pulling to a stop at the entry on the pit lane, sparking a Virtual Safety Car.
With the pit lane closed as a result, the red flag was eventually brought out. It rendered the Spaniard to a session of no time set, joining Lance Stroll, whose Aston Martin’s ICE suffered an issue which prevented the Canadian from any running.
Behind Russell in the classification was Lewis Hamilton, the Ferrari ending up six tenths down, with team-mate Charles Leclerc third, just over a tenth behind.
Kimi Antonelli brought out a red flag during FP3 at the Australian Grand Prix after a heavy crash at Albert Park.
— Motorsport Week (@MotorsportWeek) March 7, 2026
The Italian ran wide over the exit kerb out of Turn 1, which sent his Mercedes W17 into the outside wall at Turn 2.
Antonelli was able to climb out of the car and… pic.twitter.com/OHCVCQgDQq
Oscar Piastri, who went quickest in FP2, was fourth, but a whole second behind.
Isack Hadjar was fifth, just ahead of team-mate Max Verstappen, with Antonelli’s best lap good enough for seventh.
Lando Norris was eighth, ahead of Gabriel Bortoleto, signalling further improvement for the nascent Audi squad.
Fernando Alonso was able to get the sister Aston Martin out on track, finishing 18th, setting a time ahead of both Cadillacs.
READ MORE – F1 2026 Australian Grand Prix – FP3 results
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