Opening Day Pace-Setting: Complete Friday Practice Breakdown from Melbourne
The 2026 F1 season kicked off with competitive action as teams completed both practice sessions at the Australian Grand Prix. Friday's running provided the first real-world data of the new campaign at the iconic Albert Park circuit.
The inaugural round of the 2026 F1 world championship saw teams take to the track on Friday at the Australian Grand Prix, with both practice sessions delivering early insights into performance levels across the grid. As drivers and engineers began their push toward qualifying and Sunday's race, the opening day of practice sessions at Albert Park offered a crucial window into baseline performance and potential competitive advantage.
Original source
Crash.net
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.
Article C8.14.1
Test sensor installations
Chapter: C8
In Simple Terms
Teams can install up to five special test sensors on their cars during Friday practice sessions (P1 and P2) that don't need to follow normal F1 technical rules. These sensors are allowed as long as they won't interfere with the car's safety crash tests.
- Maximum of 5 test sensors allowed per car
- Only permitted during P1 and P2 (Friday practice sessions)
- Sensors don't need to comply with standard F1 technical regulations (Article C3)
- Sensors must not affect impact/crash test integrity or performance
Official FIA Text
Each car may be equipped with a maximum of five test sensor installations which do not comply with Article C3, during P1 and P2, provided they could not materially affect impact tests.
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