P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Charles Leclerc led team-mate Lewis Hamilton in a Ferrari 1-2 in the opening practice session for the 2026 Formula 1 curtain-raiser in Melbourne.
In the opening practice session for the 2026 Formula 1 curtain-raiser in Melbourne, Charles Leclerc led team-mate Lewis Hamilton in a Ferrari 1-2. His time of 1:20.267s was set in the final moments of the session, surpassing the second scarlet Ferrari driven by Max Verstappen leading a Red Bull 3-4, with Isack Hadjar three tenths off. Nico Hulkenberg was the first out on track, while problems arose for Oscar Piastri and Arvid Lindblad. Lindblad’s Racing Bulls broke down at the pit exit but managed to continue. Aston Martin faced a power unit issue, causing Fernando Alonso to miss the session. Williams’ Alex Albon and Lance Stroll from Aston Martin had to end their sessions early due to separate issues. Lindblad secured fifth place overall, with Piastri in sixth. George Russell and Andrea Kimi Antonelli from Mercedes finished seventh and eighth, followed by Audis Gabriel Bortoleto and Hulkenberg in the top 10. Haas saw Ocon and Bearman in 11th and 14th, while Alpine struggled with Colapinto in 16th and Gasly in 18th. Cadillac’s Valtteri Bottas led in 17th, with Carlos Sainz in 12th. Norri’s gearbox issue led to McLaren withdrawing him from the session. Verstappen had to change rear suspension early but recovered with competitive lap times. The full FP1 results of the 2026 Australian Grand Prix can be viewed for more details.
