Mercedes leading early
Mercedes sits atop the early 2026 pecking order after dominant results in Australia and China, holding a small constructors’ lead after three races while rivals scramble to catch up. (crash.net) (youtube.com)
Mercedes lead the Constructors’ Championship on 98 points, 31 clear of nearest rivals Ferrari on 67. (formula1.com) George Russell tops the Drivers’ standings with 51 points while team‑mate Andrea Kimi Antonelli sits second on 47; Charles Leclerc has 34 and Lewis Hamilton 33. (formula1.com) Russell converted pole into victory at the Australian GP on March 8, finishing 2.974 seconds ahead of Antonelli, and Antonelli then won the Chinese GP on March 15 by 5.515 seconds over Russell. (formula1.com) Max Verstappen was recorded as a DNF in Shanghai and Red Bull Racing have just 12 constructors points, leaving them fifth in the team table. (formula1.com) Antonelli’s win in Shanghai was his maiden F1 victory and made him the second‑youngest race winner at 19 years, six months and 18 days. (formula1.com) Mercedes carried momentum into the Japanese weekend at Suzuka, where Friday running saw Russell and Antonelli setting the early pace with Russell’s 1:31.666 lap only 0.026s quicker than Antonelli ahead of the race scheduled for March 29. (grandprix.com)
