Leclerc Sets the Pace as 2026 F1 Season Begins in Melbourne
Charles Leclerc of Ferrari topped the timesheets in the first practice session of the 2026 Australian Grand Prix, signaling a strong start to the new Formula 1 season. The Monégasque driver finished four-tenths of a second ahead of his teammate, Lewis Hamilton, with four-time World Champion Max Verstappen completing the top three.
Early Season Shocks and Surprises
The opening day of the Australian Grand Prix marked the beginning of a new era in Formula 1 history. The session wasn’t without its drama, with the only rookie driver, Arvid Lindblad, causing an early safety car period after a stop in the pit lane exit. Technical issues too plagued McLaren and Aston Martin, with Fernando Alonso unable to set a lap time due to a malfunction.
Ferrari’s Strong Start
Leclerc’s impressive lap time of 1:27.582 demonstrated Ferrari’s early pace. He initially led Verstappen by two-tenths of a second, then Hadjar, before ultimately establishing a significant advantage. Hamilton closely followed, showcasing the potential of the Ferrari pairing this season.
Mid-Session Challenges and Recoveries
The session saw several teams grapple with early issues. McLaren’s Piastri and Norris experienced power loss, while Aston Martin’s Alonso didn’t participate in the first practice due to a mechanical problem. Mercedes drivers Russell and Antonelli also faced challenges, but were able to improve their times as the session progressed.
Rookie Standout and Late Improvements
Racing Bulls’ Arvid Lindblad, despite his early issue, demonstrated promising pace, climbing to sixth place by the complete of the session. Late improvements also came from Sergio Pérez, despite a brief off-track excursion, and the Audi drivers, Bortoleto and Hülkenberg, who secured ninth and tenth positions respectively.
Max Verstappen (Fotó: XPB)First Practice Results
1. Charles Leclerc (Ferrari)
2. Lewis Hamilton (Ferrari)
3. Max Verstappen (Red Bull)
4. Isack Hadjar (Red Bull)
5. George Russell (Mercedes)
6. Arvid Lindblad (Racing Bulls)
7. Liam Lawson (Racing Bulls)
8. Gabriel Bortoleto (Audi)
9. Nico Hülkenberg (Audi)
10. Kevin Magnussen (Haas)
FAQ
Q: Who topped the times in first practice?
A: Charles Leclerc of Ferrari.
Q: What issues did McLaren face during the session?
A: McLaren drivers Piastri and Norris experienced power loss.
Q: Which rookie driver impressed during the session?
A: Arvid Lindblad of Racing Bulls.
Q: What happened to Fernando Alonso?
A: Alonso did not participate in the first practice due to a mechanical issue.
Don’t miss the F3 qualifying session, live on M4 Sport starting at 3:58!
