F1 Australian Grand Prix Expert Tips & Predictions

Venue: Melbourne Park, Melbourne, Australia.
Race Date: 8^th March 2025

Race Preview

Following on from an iconic F1 season in 2025, which saw Lando Norris crowned world champion, the glitz and the glamour of Formula 1 is very much back in 202. Norris and McLaren had too much for all before them last season but as ever, changes in personnel, both on and off the track, are sure to have an impact on the new campaign.

The opening race of the season here in Melbourne comes off the back of a couple of interesting weeks of testing in Bahrain and each team will be eager to start the 2026 campaign by putting their best foot forwards.

How much punters and experts can glean from pre-season testing is always a mystery, meaning this first contest of the 2026 season could be an intriguing one. Champion Lando Norris will be a contender as the man to beat, while the usual suspects of Max Verstappen, George Russell and Charles Leclerc will be front runners once again.

On paper, this does feel like one of the most open F1 seasons in recent memory and we have our best F1 predictions for the Australian Grand Prix and you can place your bets with Australia’s best betting sites!

F1 Australian Grand Prix Race Winner

Melbourne Park is one of the most iconic locations on the F1 circuit and this first race of the campaign is sure to become very significant as the season develops:

George Russell – $3.20

Following an impressive testing period, George Russell and Mercedes look to have renewed optimism ahead of the 2026 F1 campaign. There were flickers of his driving speed and prowess last year, without necessarily backing up that promise in terms of results and the Brit will be eager to pick up a fast start here in Melbourne. Conditions will suit and as the number on driver in the team, there is plenty of expectation around Russell to get off to a flyer here in Australia.

Max Verstappen – $4.00

Having seen his F1 title snatched away from him by Lando Norris last season, Max Verstappen will be doing all he can to wrestle it back in 2026. The Dutchman fought all the way to the end in 2025, pushing McLaren all the way but he ultimately came up short, rendering him with a job to do this season. His relationship with Red Bull appears more settled but nobody quite knows where his car is at, making him a very dangerous proposition here in Melbourne.

Charles Leclerc – $5.50

It has been a frustrating couple of seasons for Ferrari but Charles Leclerc has a good record here at Melbourne and the man from Monaco will be chasing a fast start in 2026. Expectation with Ferrari is always high but for both Leclerc and Hamilton, a quiet 2025 has left them out of most people’s thoughts for title glory. However, a win here and a good showing from Leclerc, could remind everybody of their threat this time around.

F1 Australian Grand Prix Top Six Finish

Getting off to a fast start will be the main focus for all involved here in Melbourne and it should be a fascinating weekend of racing:

Kimi Antonelli – $1.25

Italian Kimi Antonelli saw his season peter out somewhat last time around, but he remains a mercurial talent, who will be at the forefront for Mercedes over the coming years. Like his team mate George Russell, he showed up well in testing and he should hit the ground running here.

Lewis Hamilton – $1.30

It was broadly a season to forget for Lewis Hamilton at Ferrari in 2025, but the Brit should be refreshed and ready to go here in 2026. This Ferrari car should suit his driving style and how he would love to make a statement from the outset here in Melbourne.

Oscar Piastri – $1.55

Home favourite Oscar Piastri will be backed by every section of the race track here in Melbourne and how he would love to deliver for his home supporters. McLaren have looked off the pace in testing, but Piastri knows this track well and he could put some early season points on the board for the defending champions.

—

F1 2026 Australian Grand Prix Best Bets

Race Winner:

Top Six Finish: