Jolyon Palmer ‘loved’ Charles Leclerc’s ‘real signal of intent’ against George Russell in Australia

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Jolyon Palmer “loved” how aggressive Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc was against Mercedes rival George Russell to take the lead at the start of the 2026 F1 Australian Grand Prix.

Russell secured the first pole position of the 2026 F1 season at Albert Park on Saturday, and he ultimately converted it into the first win of the campaign on Sunday. But Leclerc made life tough for Russell through the early laps, before Ferrari opted not to pit during the early VSC.

Leclerc and Russell exchanged the lead of the Australian GP seven times through the first 10 laps, with F1’s 2026 regulations preventing either driver from running away in the lead. Both drivers had to manage their energy levels, which frequently allowed the other to strike back.

Mercedes’ energy management advantage in qualifying over Ferrari saw Russell secure pole with a 0.809s margin to Leclerc in P4. Yet Leclerc was surprised that Mercedes’ advantage was not stronger during the Australian GP, having finished P3 and only 15.519s from Russell.

Jolyon Palmer loved Charles Leclerc’s ‘aggression’ against George Russell in the Australian Grand Prix

Leclerc also left his calling card on Russell at the start of the Australian GP, much to Palmer’s admiration. The Monegasque made a rapid launch off the line to lead the race out of Turn 1, jumping past Andrea Kimi Antonelli before firing his SF-26 between Russell and Isack Hadjar.

READ MORE: Five things we learnt from the 2026 Australian GP after Oscar Piastri crashed

Mercedes gem Antonelli got a poor getaway from P2 on the grid, but Leclerc had to be bold under braking to force his way ahead of Red Bull racer Hadjar as his Ferrari teammate Lewis Hamilton tried to draw level. Russell even left the door open for Leclerc to claim the inside.

Palmer told the official F1 website: “Charles Leclerc leapt into the lead of the race, despite having to negotiate Kimi Antonelli’s wheel-spinning Mercedes.

“I loved Charles’ aggression, too, because in the end he had to dive in on the brakes to clear Russell – a real signal of intent.”

Lewis Hamilton’s Australian Grand Prix start showed Ferrari’s real advantage over Mercedes

Which F1 team had the most surprising race pace data at the Australian Grand Prix?

Let us know in the comments below! Data from @FDataAnalysis

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Russell initially appeared to have covered off every threat from behind with a steady start to brake for Turn 1 without having another car alongside him. Yet Leclerc took full advantage of Russell leaving the inside line open to take the lead by being more aggressive under braking.

Leclerc’s aggressive start sent Russell an early message that he will be a threat when Ferrari can qualify well. Ferrari’s smaller turbo helped Leclerc make a quick start, as expected after testing, and Hamilton even looked to snatch P3 at Turn 1 despite starting the race from P7.

Palmer believes Hamilton arguably had the better start between the Ferrari drivers, helped partly by McLaren racer and Melbourne native Oscar Piastri crashing before the start of his literal home race. But Leclerc running Russell deep saw Hamilton have to exit Turn 1 in P4.

Palmer added: “The run to Turn 1 in Melbourne is far from the longest of the year. And yet still Hamilton could have been in position to challenge Russell, had he not been on the outside. Considering he started seventh, that really goes to show the differential between the fastest starting Ferrari and the fastest starting Mercedes.”