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Have you heard about the duo that have mastered the dark art of energy management? No, I’m not talking about a particular enthralling game of Magic: The Gathering but, instead, just why Russell and Antonelli have stolen a march on their rivals early on in the 2026 championship.
Verstappen, though, clearly isn’t a fan of the new rules (we’re yet to get word on his thoughts about Magic: The Gathering) and has reiterated that he will be willing to leave the sport if he ceased to enjoy it.
And it’s Nina Gademan who has taken the chequered flag in the first race of the 2026 F1 Academy campaign, leading the podium from Natalia Granada and Emma Felbermayr.
The World Drivers' Championship standings
Here’s how the drivers’ standings look following the completion of the Melbourne grand prix and the sprint race earlier today.
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George Russell, Mercedes, 33
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Kimi Antonelli, Mercedes, 22
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Charles Leclerc, Ferrari, 22
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Lewis Hamilton, Ferrari, 18
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Lando Norris, McLaren, 15
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Max Verstappen, Red Bull Racing, 8
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Oliver Bearman, Haas, 7
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Arvid Lindblad, Racing Bulls, 4
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Oscar Piastri, McLaren, 3
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Gabriel Bortoleto, Audi, 2
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Liam Lawson, Racing Bulls, 2
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Pierre Gasly, Alpine, 1
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Esteban Ocon, Haas
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Alexander Albon, Williams
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Franco Colapinto, Alpine
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Carlos Sainz, Williams
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Sergio Perez, Cadillac
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Isack Hadjar, Red Bull Racing
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Nico Hulkenberg, Audi
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Fernando Alonso, Aston Martin
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Valtteri Bottas, Cadillac
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Lance Stroll, Aston Martin
What were the other major takeaways from our season-opening race in Melbourne?
Well, you won’t be surprised to learn that the (increasingly furious) debate surrounding the new regulations governing the sport played a big role, with Lando Norris declaring the state of affairs “sucks” and Leclerc saying that “This is like the mushroom in Mario Kart.”
The F1 Academy is currently out on the Shanghai circuit, staging their first race of the season in a reverse grid format.
With a safety car bunching the pack up on lap eight of 13, Nina Gademan leads the pack in her Alpine, followed by Natalia Granada, and Rafaela Ferreira.
For all the talk of the Mercedes’ speed we’ve been doing throughout this young season, Hamilton believes that Ferrari has what it takes to challenge the German team this year.
If you’re after a full wrap-up of the first sprint race of the campaign then don’t worry, Giles Richards has you covered.
Preamble
Joey Lynch
Howdy all, it’s ya boi Joey Lynch here and welcome to the Guardian’s live coverage of the 2026 Formula One world championship, continuing today with qualifying from the Chinese Grand Prix in Shanghai.
After last week’s one-two finish in Melbourne, Mercedes have already flexed their muscle in the Magic City, with championship leader George Russell winning from pole in the sprint race staged earlier today. He didn’t have it all his own way, coming under significant pressure from the Ferraris of Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc.
Nonetheless, with nobody yet showing that they’re capable of going with the Mercedes in this new era of regulations – aside from maybe Ferrari at lights out – Russell and teammate Kimi Antonelli will be considered the favourites once more.
Will they actually be able to deliver, though, or can Ferrari upset the party? Can McLaren find some pace? Will Max Verstappen ever smile again? We’re about to find out.
Qualifying in Shanghai starts at 3pm local/6pm AEDT/7am GMT.
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