Martinius Stenshorne delivered a composed and commanding performance in a chaotic qualifying session at the Australian GP, securing third place on the grid to announce himself as a genuine contender in his first full F2 season.
Stenshorne could hardly have scripted a better start to his debut full season in Formula 2. The Norwegian, driving for Rodin Motorsport, navigated a twice-interrupted qualifying session at the 2026 Australian GP with impressive maturity, eventually banking a third-place grid position behind pole-sitter Dino Beganovic and Alex Dunne.
Stenshorne had already made heads turn during Free Practice, where he climbed to second on the timing sheets, and he carried that momentum convincingly into qualifying. With rookies occupying all three spots at the top of the standings for much of the session, the new generation made clear it arrives with serious intent.
Handling the chaos
The session was anything but straightforward. Two red flags, first for Mari Boya’s accident at the exit of Turn 12 and then for Gabriele Minì suffering a loss of power, repeatedly reset the rhythm of the afternoon. Stenshorne, however, refused to let the disruptions unsettle him during the F2 Australian GP qualifying session.
“You cannot really prepare much for it. So you just have to take it as it comes,” he said speaking to the media, including Pit Debrief.
The Norwegian also acknowledged that Rodin’s pit lane positioning played a quiet but meaningful role, allowing him to head out earlier during restart periods and claim cleaner track position. Tyre management, too, proved a critical factor across a session that stretched everyone’s resources.
“Every time there’s a red flag, you just have to try and reset and go out and do it again. Today it went well.”
A track that suits his style
Albert Park appeared to suit Stenshorne’s driving style well. With its blend of high-speed sweeps and tighter, technical sections, the circuit demanded both confidence and precision, qualities the Norwegian displayed in abundance throughout.
“It’s a bit of street track vibes, which I enjoy, and still a really nice track, fast and flowy with slow corners as well. So yeah, really enjoying it out there.”
His ease with the F2 car has drawn attention ever since his handful of outings in 2025, and he continued that form here. When pressed on whether the machinery particularly suits him, Stenshorne kept his feet firmly on the ground.
“It’s difficult to say. I’m always trying to drive to the limit of every car I’m driving. So far it’s been good, so hopefully it stays that way.”
Playing the long game
With Beganovic taking a superb pole on his final flying lap, Stenshorne was magnanimous in defeat and quick to credit his rival. Asked whether pole had been within reach, he was measured and honest.
“No, I think Dino [Beganovic] was quite quick today, so good job to him. Overall it’s been a good start to the weekend and big thanks to Rodin as well for giving me a good car. Couldn’t have asked for a better start.”
That sense of perspective will serve him well over what promises to be a highly competitive season. F2 rewards consistency as much as raw pace, and Stenshorne already appears to understand that.
“It’s a long season, so you have to play it smart. But of course, if any opportunity comes, we will go for it.”
Stenshorne lines up third for Sunday’s Feature Race. If his qualifying display is any indication, Melbourne may well be witnessing the emergence of a serious title challenger.
