Australian GP – FP1: A Ferrari one-two finish to kick off the season

We are back! Admittedly, you had to be an early bird to watch Free Practice 1 of the Australian Grand Prix, but it was well worth it. After months of uncertainty since the title of Lando Norris By the end of 2025, the rivals hope to finally be able to bring down the Briton and McLaren, which has won the last two constructors' titles.

The first step in this comeback desired by all began in earnest last night: the Formula 1 took to the track in Melbourne, on the demanding Australian circuit, for the first time in their 2026 version, providing some initial indications. The first of these was the long-distance match between the Red Bull and Classic Ferrari for saleThe two teams traded fastest times until the end of the session, where Charles Leclerc ultimately set the fastest time, ahead of his teammate Lewis Hamilton.

The two Scuderia drivers are ahead Max Verstappen and Isack Hadjar, also very comfortable on the Australian track from these first laps. Finally, Arvid Lindblad completes the top 5 thanks to a fast lap set at the very end of the session. McLaren's hour of running was more discreet: if Oscar piastri Lando Norris took 6th place, but suffered from reliability issues and finished far back.

Among the predicted favorites – Mercedes Benz – The session was more relaxed, with 50 laps shared between Kimi Antonelli and George Russell. But the Germans were rather discreet on the clock, only managing the 7th and 8th fastest times, ahead of the Audis, who rounded out the top 10.

Hamilton sets the fastest time ⏱️

Albon It stopped on the track after a hydraulic problem ❌

Aston Martin announces that the session of Lance stroll is over after only 3 laps, the team's only 3 in this FP1. #AusGP #F1 pic.twitter.com/ertwHAsaNG

— CANAL+ F1® (@CanalplusF1) March 6, 2026

Ferrari shines, Aston Martin stands still

Quite logically, this first session also highlighted reliability issues for some, in particular WilliamsAlex Albon triggered the virtual safety car at the end of the session by stopping at the side of the track due to a hydraulic failure. The American Cadillac team also encountered predictable problems given their status as newcomers to this level of competition.

The situation remains particularly worrying at Aston Martin: Fernando Alonso He didn't even get a turn in the road, while Lance Stroll only managed a handful of laps. The AMR26s were once again plagued by troublesome engine problems, which won't be resolved before the end of the weekend.

Finally, we also witnessed the first small errors, although everyone managed to avoid the walls of Albert Park: wheel lock-ups were commonplace and Isack Hadjar had a scare at the first corner, but without serious consequences.

See you at 6 a.m. French time for the second open session, which will offer more clarity on the state of the hierarchy.

ALSO READ > Lewis Hamilton re-energized before launching his 2026 season: "I feel younger than ever"

F1 – Australian Grand Prix
The ranking of Free Practice 1