Charles Leclerc Leads the Way in Australian Grand Prix Practice
Charles Leclerc topped the timesheets in the second practice session for the Australian Grand Prix, edging out McLaren driver Oscar Piastri by 0.124 seconds. Leclerc’s Ferrari teammate, Lewis Hamilton, finished fifth, 0.420 seconds behind the leader.
The practice sessions marked Hamilton’s debut with Ferrari, following his high-profile move from Mercedes. Despite struggling in the first session, finishing 12th, Hamilton improved his performance in the second session, but still trails Leclerc.
Lando Norris, who topped the opening session, finished third, 0.141 seconds behind Leclerc. Norris is considered a pre-season championship favorite, and his performance in the practice sessions has done little to dispel those expectations.
Red Bull’s Max Verstappen, bidding for a fifth consecutive title, appeared short of confidence in his car, finishing seventh, 0.624 seconds behind Leclerc. Verstappen’s teammate, Liam Lawson, struggled even more, finishing 17th.
The practice sessions suggested that McLaren and Ferrari will be the teams to beat in the early stages of the season. The two teams occupied four of the top five places in the second practice session, with only Verstappen’s Red Bull breaking the dominance.
British teenager Ollie Bearman, one of six rookies in the 2025 season, suffered a setback when he crashed out of the opening practice session. Bearman’s Haas car sustained significant damage, and he was unable to participate in the second practice session.
The Australian Grand Prix is the first race of the 2025 Formula One season, and the practice sessions have set the stage for an exciting weekend of racing. With Leclerc and Ferrari looking strong, and Hamilton still adapting to his new surroundings, the battle for supremacy is likely to be intense.
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