Lando Norris dominated the first free practice session for the Australian Grand Prix on Friday at the Albert Park circuit in Melbourne. A few hours later, it was Charles Leclerc (Ferrari) who was the fastest during the second session, with a time of 1’17”277. The Monegasque beat Max Verstappen (Red Bull, 1’17”568), the reigning world champion and current leader of the Championship, who had already finished second in EL1.
Difficulties for Mercedes
Verstappen got a late start in this second session, having damaged the floor of his car during the first session. At the wheel of the other Ferrari, Carlos Sainz, returning to the Grand Prix after missing the one in Saudi Arabia following an appendicitis operation, set the third time (1’17”707).
Only ninth in EL1, Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes), the seven-time world champion, this time only finished 18th in the session, after reporting a problem with his F1. George Russell was the victim of an exit from the track. He noted vibrations in the steering system of his car.
Williams, it’s not getting better
But it was less serious than Williams’ setbacks. During the first session of the day, Alexander Albon hit a wall. He was not injured, but was unable to compete in FP2, his team having to repair his Formula 1. If it is not ready in time, Albon could miss the Grand Prix on Sunday, Williams not having replacement chassis in Melbourne.
And, during the second free practice session, Logan Sargeant in turn gave himself a scare, leaving the track in a turn. A third and final practice session will take place during the night from Friday to Saturday (French time) at 2:30 a.m., before qualifying (at 6 a.m.).