P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Our pick of the key winners and losers from the first two hours of F1 2026 on-track running at the Australian GP
The Australian Grand Prix provided insights into the 2026 Formula 1 pecking order, with surprises emerging compared to pre-season expectations.
Aston Martin had a rough start, with Honda’s battery issues affecting performance, leading to struggles for Alonso and Stroll in FP1 and FP2 sessions.
Mercedes showcased strength despite not being the fastest in either session, showing promise for the weekend ahead.
Lando Norris faced challenges, dealing with downshift complaints and a clutch problem, trailing his teammate Piastri by a second in FP2.
Oscar Piastri, despite a slow start, impressed by ending the day fastest overall and outperforming his McLaren teammate Norris.
Williams faced difficulties with their FW48 looking heavy and unwieldy, continuing the struggles seen during testing.
