Ferrari Dominates Opening Practice Session in Australia as Leclerc Tops the Timesheets
Charles Leclerc secured the fastest time in Friday's opening practice session at the 2026 Australian Grand Prix, with Ferrari demonstrating their competitive form by completing a commanding one-two finish. The Scuderia's strong performance in the first session has set an encouraging tone as teams prepare for the remainder of the weekend in Melbourne.
The 2026 Australian Grand Prix got underway with an impressive showing from the Ferrari team, as Charles Leclerc emerged from first practice as the quickest driver on track. The Monaco driver's performance was bolstered by a strong team effort, with Ferrari securing both top positions in the session's final standings.
The Italian outfit's one-two finish in the opening practice session marked a promising start to their campaign at the Albert Park circuit. Leclerc's pace-setting performance demonstrated Ferrari's competitiveness early in the weekend, suggesting the team will be a formidable force as qualifying and race day approach.
The dominant display from the Scuderia has established them as clear contenders for the Australian Grand Prix, with Leclerc's leadership position in the timesheets indicating the direction of momentum heading into the remaining practice sessions.
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Related Regulations
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Full Regulation Text
Article B2.1.1
Free Practice Sessions - Standard Format
Chapter: B2
In Simple Terms
On Friday, teams get two one-hour practice sessions (FP1 and FP2) with a 2-3 hour break between them to test their cars and strategies. If extra tire compounds are available, FP2 extends to 90 minutes. Saturday morning brings FP3, another one-hour session that must start at least 18 hours after FP2 ends.
- FP1 and FP2 are held on Friday, separated by 2-3 hours of downtime
- FP2 can be extended from 60 to 90 minutes if additional tire specifications are provided
- FP3 takes place on Saturday morning with a mandatory minimum 18-hour gap after FP2
- All three sessions are one hour each (or 1.5 hours for FP2 in specific conditions)
Official FIA Text
Two 1-hour free practice sessions (FP1, FP2) separated by 2-3 hours on first day. If additional tyre specs provided, FP2 extended to 1.5 hours. FP3 (1 hour) on second day, starting min 18 hours after FP2 end.
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.
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