The 2026 Formula 1 season is now just days away from its opening race in Melbourne, and predictions are flying on who will claim victory at the Australian Grand Prix. Former world champions Damon Hill and Johnny Herbert recently weighed in with their opinions on the likely winner, offering contrasting perspectives for F1 fans ahead of the season-opener.
While the opening lap of a Formula 1 season rarely predicts the full championship outcome, history shows intriguing coincidences. At the 2025 Australian Grand Prix, the top five drivers after the first lap ended up finishing in the same order in the final drivers’ championship 23 races later. However, with 2026 ushering in a new era of technical regulations, such a repeat is unlikely this season.
Pre-season testing has provided an early snapshot of the competitive landscape. Ferrari and Mercedes have emerged as the standout teams, with Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton representing Ferrari, and George Russell alongside Lewis Hamilton’s former Mercedes teammate displaying strong pace for the Silver Arrows. Within the paddock, many observers have tipped George Russell as the favourite to dominate much of the 2026 season.
Despite this, Martin Brundle has expressed optimism for Lewis Hamilton’s second season with Ferrari, highlighting the seven-time world champion’s experience and ability to bounce back after a challenging debut year. The Sky Sport F1 expert believes that Lewis Hamilton’s familiarity with Ferrari’s technical philosophy, combined with his exceptional racecraft, could allow him to challenge for victory right from the opening race.
Damon Hill and Johnny Herbert predict the Australian Grand Prix winner
On a recent episode of the Stay On Track podcast, Damon Hill and Johnny Herbert shared their forecasts for the Melbourne race. While both hosts had previously identified George Russell as a dark horse for the 2026 drivers’ championship, their predictions for the season-opener diverged. Damon Hill expressed confidence that Lewis Hamilton would secure his third career victory at Albert Park, citing Lewis Hamilton’s renewed determination and pre-season performance with Ferrari. Conversely, Johnny Herbert believes that George Russell is poised to start the season on a high, potentially claiming the win thanks to Mercedes’ strong showing during testing.
Hill emphasized the Briton’s positivity and mental resilience following a difficult 2025 campaign. He suggested that the seven-time world champion has the tools and motivation to reassert his authority across the grid immediately. Herbert, however, noted that George Russell has consistently impressed at Melbourne, having visited the podium twice, although he has yet to surpass a P3 finish at the circuit. With Mercedes’ new 2026 power unit showing early signs of being the benchmark, the Australian Grand Prix could finally offer Russell a maiden victory at Albert Park.
F1 fans tip Lewis Hamilton for world championship glory
Beyond the race itself, many F1 enthusiasts are already predicting a strong season for Lewis Hamilton. Fans believe he has a legitimate chance to secure his eighth world championship in 2026, as well as add a 105th Grand Prix victory to his record. In a poll conducted by F1 Oversteer, nearly one-third of participants backed the Briton as the favourite for the 2026 title, while reigning world champion Lando Norris received just 4% of the vote.
As for the season-opener, McLaren are not widely expected to challenge for the top step of the podium but could still contend for a top-three finish if circumstances align. Such a result would be especially bittersweet for Oscar Piastri, who is determined to redeem himself after a costly error at last year’s Australian Grand Prix, which denied him a potential podium at his home race.
With Lewis Hamilton returning to the peak of his powers in Ferrari colours and George Russell pushing Mercedes hard, the 2026 Australian Grand Prix promises to be a thrilling opening chapter in what could be one of the most unpredictable seasons in recent Formula 1 history. Fans and pundits alike will be watching closely to see which driver can set the tone for the battles to come.
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