Leclerc Dominates Opening Practice as Ferrari Flexes Muscle Down Under
Charles Leclerc proved Ferrari's competitive credentials in Australia's opening practice session, establishing himself as the quickest driver on track. The Scuderia demonstrated their strength through a commanding one-two finish, with Lewis Hamilton following his teammate in second place.
Ferrari made an immediate statement during the first practice outing of the 2026 season in Australia, with the Italian team securing control of the leaderboard from the outset. Charles Leclerc's commanding performance at the top of the timesheets signaled Ferrari's intent as a genuine championship contender, while teammate Lewis Hamilton's presence in second position underscored the team's competitive advantage heading into the weekend. The Maranello-based outfit's double podium in free practice represents an encouraging start to the campaign in the Southern Hemisphere, establishing a platform from which they can build momentum through qualifying and the race ahead.
Original source
Formula1.com
Related Regulations
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Full Regulation Text
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.
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.
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