MELBOURNE (AUSTRALIA) (ITALPRESS) – The 2026 Formula 1 season kicks off with the first two free practice sessions of the Gp of Australia. On the circuit of Albert Park it is Ferrari to put in front of everyone in the FP1 with Charles Leclerc (1’20′′267) in front of Lewis Hamilton (+0′′′469). In the morning, in the Italian night, Red Bull third and fourth with Max Verstappen (+0′′′522) and Isack Hadjar (+0′′820) and Mercedes engines under track.
In the FP2 turn up and increase the loads of gasoline. Mercedes superior to the others in the race pass with George Russell and Andrea Kimi Antonelli ahead in the long run. On the time attack so many smears to go hunting the limit and great balance even in the first positions. In the final session Oscar Piastri (McLaren) puts the blow by stopping the stopwatch on the time of 1’19′′′729. “I think it’s a discreetly positive start. FP2 went well, but there’s a lot to do. The goal is the first qualifying files”, the words, to the microphones of the F1, of the Australian driver. Second and third Antonelli (+0′′′214) and Russell (+0′′′320). Right behind here are the Ferraris with Hamilton (+0′′′′321) in front of Leclerc (+0′′′562).
A day consisting of the Rosses, which confirm the third force of the line with three tenths of delay from Mercedes in the race simulation. The world champion Lando Norris (McLaren) showcases a great race step in the FP2 with Mercedes. On the dry lap sends the acute to the British, seventh to 1′′065 from the teammate. Behind the top team is the rookie Arvid Lindlblad, which brings Racing Bulls to fifth place in FP1 and eighth in FP2. Good Audi with Nico Hulkenberg and Gabriel Bortoleto on the edge of the top ten. Williams and Alpine back and reliability problems for the Cadillac of Sergio Perez, forced to stop 5 minutes from the end of the FP2. In great affanno Aston Martin: in the FP1 on track only Lance Stroll, which closes with 3 timed laps and a detachment of 30 seconds from the summit. In FP2 Fernando Alonso is 20th (+4′′′933) and Stroll 21st (+6′′087) in front of Perez alone, last without a time marked.
LE DICHIARAZIONI
“It was a positive weekend start. The first session was solid, while in the second we tried a trim regulation that did not give the desired results, but it was still a useful exercise to learn something. Little by little we are beginning to see all the teams show their true potential and I think there is still a lot to discover, especially in the race. I think tomorrow in qualifying the values will be quite close and tonight we will work hard to put in the best possible conditions to be competitive”. These are the words of Charles Leclerc (Ferrari) after the first day on track in the Gp of Australia, the inaugural appointment of the F1 2026 World Championship.
“It was really a good day. It is beautiful to be here and to be back on track, I am incredibly grateful to be able to do what I love and see so many fans today. On track at times it was challenging, but we took advantage of the laps available and worked in the best possible way, collecting many useful information. There is still a lot of work to do, but I can’t wait to get back in the car tomorrow.” So is Lewis Hamilton.
– Photo IPA Agency –
(ITALPRESS).
