Oscar Piastri was fast in the McLaren. © ANSA / JOEL CARRETT

To kick things off: Piastri and Leclerc were fast in practice

McLaren driver Oscar Piastri set the fastest time on the first day of practice in the new Formula 1 era.

March 06, 2026

From: dpa/dl

The Australian local hero set the fastest lap in Friday's second session at the season opener in Melbourne, clocking a time of 1:19,729. Behind him were the Mercedes duo of Kimi Antonelli (+0,214 seconds) and George Russell (+0,320). Ahead of Saturday's qualifying session (6:00 a.m. CEST/ServusTV, Sky), the top teams McLaren, Mercedes, Ferrari, and Red Bull were closely separated.

The Ferraris of record world champion Lewis Hamilton (+0,321) and Charles Leclerc (+0,562), who had topped the timesheets ahead of Hamilton in the first session, finished fourth and fifth respectively. Four-time champion Max Verstappen struggled with minor issues in the second practice session and finished sixth in his Red Bull (+0,637).

Charles Leclerc was fastest in the first practice session. © ANSA / JOEL CARRETT

World champion Lando Norris, who had to park his McLaren after only seven laps in the first session due to a gearbox problem, finished seventh (+1,065).

Aston Martin and Cadillac are lagging behind

Aston Martin driver Fernando Alonso only completed his first laps in the second practice session at the Albert Park Circuit after suffering engine problems. The two-time world champion finished 20th, 4,933 seconds behind, just ahead of teammate Lance Stroll (+6,087 seconds). Formula 1 newcomer Cadillac also struggled. Valtteri Bottas (+3,931) finished 19th, while Sergio Perez had to retire his car to the side of the track shortly before the end of the second session and was at the back of the standings.

Fernando Alonso is having problems with the Aston Martin. © APA/afp / WILLIAM WEST

For Verstappen, the second practice session began with a lengthy stop at the end of the pit lane, as the Dutchman's car had to be pushed back into the garage. Shortly afterward, the 28-year-old damaged the underbody of his car when he ran wide. Before the first Grand Prix of the season on Sunday (5:00 a.m. CET/ServusTV, Sky), many teams were still struggling with various issues.