Button Sounds Alarm Over Aston Martin's Limited Track Time in Melbourne Opening Practice
Jenson Button has expressed alarm regarding Aston Martin's restricted running during the opening practice session at the Australian Grand Prix. The team's 2026 season ambassador warned that the lack of track activity prevented the squad from extracting valuable data during the crucial first day of practice. Fernando Alonso was sidelined from the session due to a power unit issue.
Former Formula 1 world champion Jenson Button, who joined Aston Martin as an ambassador entering the 2026 season, has voiced his frustration over the team's minimal track presence during Friday's first practice session ahead of the Australian Grand Prix.
Button's concerns center on the lost opportunity for development and learning that typically defines opening practice sessions. With limited running, the Silverstone-based team squandered the chance to gather crucial telemetry and performance data that would inform their setup decisions throughout the weekend.
Adding to Aston Martin's woes, Fernando Alonso was unable to participate in the one-hour session, with a power unit malfunction keeping the Spanish driver in the garage. The combination of reduced running time and Alonso's absence represents a challenging start to the Melbourne weekend for the ambitious team.
Original source
Motorsport.com
Related Regulations
Hover over badges for quick summaries, or scroll down for full official text and simplified explanations.
Full Regulation Text
Article B2.1.2
Free Practice Sessions - Alternative Format
Chapter: B2
In Simple Terms
On the first day of track running at a Grand Prix weekend, teams get one practice session called FP1 that lasts for 1 hour. This gives drivers and teams a chance to familiarize themselves with the track, test their cars, and gather data before the more important qualifying and race sessions.
- FP1 is held on the first day of track running
- Session duration is exactly 1 hour
- Used for initial setup testing and track familiarization
- Alternative format option for weekend structure
Official FIA Text
One 1-hour free practice session (FP1) on first day of track running.
Article 5.1
Definition of a New PU Manufacturer
Chapter: SECTION C: TECHNICAL REGULATIONS
In Simple Terms
A 'New PU Manufacturer' is a company entering F1 for the first time that hasn't built power units before (2014-2021) and hasn't inherited significant technology from existing manufacturers. If approved by the FIA, they receive special benefits and exemptions for 5 years (from 3 years before entry through 1 year after). The FIA evaluates applicants based on their facilities, engine experience, and ERS system knowledge.
- New PU Manufacturers must meet two conditions: no prior homologation since 2014 AND no significant inherited IP from established manufacturers
- Approved new manufacturers receive a 5-year window of special rights/exemptions (N-3 to N+1 calendar years)
- The FIA has absolute discretion in granting status and evaluates applicants on infrastructure investment, ICE experience, and ERS system expertise
Official FIA Text
A PU Manufacturer intending to supply PUs for the first time in year N, will be considered to be a "New PU Manufacturer" if it (or any related party): a. has not homologated a PU at least once in the period 2014-2021; and b. has not received any significant recent Intellectual Property from a PU Manufacturer who is not a New PU Manufacturer, subject to the conditions outlined in Article 5.2 of this Appendix. (together, for this Article 5 only, the "Necessary Conditions") The "New PU Manufacturer" status will be granted by the FIA, at its absolute discretion, for the complete calendar years from N-3 to N+1. In order to be granted the "New PU Manufacturer" status, the PU Manufacturer in question must, upon the request of the FIA, provide the FIA with all of the detailed information or documents requested by the FIA describing the commercial background and details of the PU Manufacturer's business, the Intellectual Property owned by the PU Manufacturer and the technical relationship between the PU Manufacturer and any other related entity or persons (the "Requested Documentation"). PU Manufacturers granted a "New PU Manufacturer" status are given additional rights or exemptions in certain provisions of the Technical, Sporting and Financial Regulations. In order to assess whether the Necessary Conditions have been satisfied by a PU Manufacturer, the FIA will assess the Requested Documentation provided by the PU Manufacturer with regard to three factors: a. Infrastructure: the necessity for the PU Manufacturer to build facilities, invest significantly in assets, and hire personnel with prior Formula 1 experience; b. ICE status: the prior experience of the PU Manufacturer in Formula 1 Internal Combustion Engines, and potential possession of significant recent Intellectual Property; and c. ERS status: the prior experience of the PU Manufacturer in Formula 1 ERS systems, and potential possession of significant recent Intellectual Property.
Article B2.1.3
Free Practice Session Classification
Chapter: B2
In Simple Terms
Free Practice sessions are ranked based on each driver's fastest single lap time. The driver with the quickest lap gets first place, the second quickest gets second place, and so on down the grid.
- Classification is based solely on fastest lap time achieved during the session
- Drivers are ranked from fastest to slowest
- Only the single best lap for each driver counts toward the classification
- Free Practice results do not affect the actual race grid positions
Official FIA Text
Classification determined by fastest lap time set by each driver, with fastest in first position, second fastest in second position, and so on.
Trending Articles
Blaney Clinches Victory at Phoenix, Completes Dominant Penske Showing
about 1 hour ago
Safety Concerns Emerge Over F1's Regulatory Overhaul as Vasseur Defends New Direction
about 3 hours ago
Montoya Impressed by Lindblad's Composure Against Verstappen in Debut Points Finish
about 5 hours ago
Mercedes Chief's Paddock Blunder Becomes Internet Gold at Australian Grand Prix
about 5 hours ago
Bearman Reflects on Learning Curve: How Haas's Unpredictable Machine Tested His Rookie Resolve
about 5 hours ago