The first free practice session of the 2026 Formula 1 season in Melbourne is over. At the Albert Park Circuit, Ferrari immediately showed strong pace.
Charles Leclerc set the fastest time of the session with a lap of 1:20.267, followed by teammate Lewis Hamilton in second place. This gave Ferrari an immediate 1-2 in the first session of the season.
Max Verstappen drove the third fastest time in his Red Bull, staying within half a second of Leclerc. Rookie Isack Hadjar also impressed with a fourth-place finish.
The session didn't go smoothly for everyone. McLaren experienced issues: Lando Norris had to park his car early due to a gearbox problem and consequently finished only nineteenth. Teammate Oscar Piastri still managed to set the sixth fastest time despite technical problems.
At Aston Martin, it was even tougher. Fernando Alonso did not participate at all, and Lance Stroll only completed a few installation laps due to engine problems.
The teams are now analyzing the data before the second free practice session takes place later on Friday.
