Leclerc Dominates Melbourne Practice as Ferrari Flexes Muscle Down Under

Charles Leclerc proved Ferrari's competitive form in the opening practice session at the Australian Grand Prix, securing the fastest lap of the day. Lewis Hamilton rounded out the top positions as teams began their preparations for the weekend's racing action.

The Italian marque made an impressive statement during the first practice session of the Australian Grand Prix, with Charles Leclerc posting the quickest time of the session. The Monégasque driver's dominant performance underlined Ferrari's strong pace heading into the weekend at Albert Park.

Sharing the top of the timing sheets alongside his teammate, Lewis Hamilton also demonstrated competitive form during the opening 60 minutes of track action. The session provided teams with valuable data as they continue to refine their setups ahead of the remainder of the weekend's on-track activities.

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Sporting Regulations

Article B2.1.2

FIA Source

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.

free practicefp1first practice sessiontrack running1 hour

2026 Season Regulations

Sporting Regulations

Article B2.1.3

FIA Source

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.

free practiceclassificationfastest lapsession rankingpractice session

2026 Season Regulations

Sporting Regulations

Article B10.1.2

FIA Source

First day of on track running

Chapter: B

In Simple Terms

Before the first practice session on Friday, both team cars must be displayed for fans to see up to one hour beforehand. The cars need to have all their main aerodynamic parts attached. Additionally, teams must participate in media presentations where a senior technical representative talks to journalists for at least 10 minutes, and the power unit manufacturer gives a 30-minute presentation.

Both cars must be available for public display up to one hour before FP1 starts
Cars must be complete with all major aerodynamic components for the display
One car from every three competitors and a senior technical rep must do a 10+ minute media presentation
Power unit manufacturers must conduct a 30-minute presentation to media

Official FIA Text

Both cars available for pre-event car display up to one hour before FP1. Cars must be complete with major aerodynamic components. One car from three competitors and senior technical representative available for at least 10 minutes media presentation. Power unit manufacturer available for 30 minute presentation.

pre-event car displayFP1aerodynamic componentsmedia presentationpower unit manufacturer

2026 Season Regulations