P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Charles Leclerc led a Ferrari 1-2 in first practice for the 2026 Australian Grand Prix
In the first practice session for the 2026 Australian Grand Prix, Charles Leclerc led a Ferrari 1-2, setting the pace as the teams adapted to Formula 1’s new rules era. Leclerc’s fast final lap put him almost half a second ahead of the competition, showcasing Ferrari’s speed with teammate Lewis Hamilton close behind.
Max Verstappen from Red Bull finished third, with Red Bull’s new Ford-powered engine showing promise as Verstappen and teammate Isack Hadjar displayed strong performances.
Mercedes and McLaren faced challenges, with George Russell and Kimi Antonelli struggling to match the pace of the front runners. McLaren’s Lando Norris faced gearbox issues while Oscar Piastri dealt with engine problems.
Audi made a solid start, with Gabriel Bortoleto and Nico Hulkenberg rounding out the top 10 positions. However, Aston Martin-Honda experienced setbacks, as Fernando Alonso was unable to participate due to engine problems, and Lance Stroll had limited running due to suspected power unit issues.
Among the midfield teams, Haas and Alpine had a modest start, with Esteban Ocon and Franco Colapinto leading their respective teams but still off the pace compared to the front runners. Albon’s hydraulic issue caused a brief stoppage, while a separate incident involving Lindblad’s Racing Bulls triggered the other virtual safety car period.
