Very promising free practice sessions for McLaren and Ferrari

During the first free practice sessions, Lando Norris finished first with a time of 1:17.252 on soft tires, while Charles Leclerc ranked third. However, before this session, Norris had warned that the Ferraris were going to dominate: “The speed of the SF-25 will surprise you. I know how much fuel Ferrari had during most of the tests, and what I can tell you is that you will be surprised to see how fast they will be this weekend.”

The trend reversed during the second free practice session in Melbourne. Charles Leclerc became the holder of the lap record at 1:16.439 on soft (red-banded) tires. This time is comparable to the 1:15.915 recorded by Max Verstappen on pole position last year. It is worth recalling that Verstappen then benefited from an extended one-hour practice session before the start of the qualifications.

The McLarens were more than a tenth behind the Monegasque. However, Oscar Piastri was faster than his teammate. Lando Norris lamented too many inconsistencies and too many problems during his low-fuel stints, despite a string of solid times.

Ferrari: Leclerc Shines, Hamilton Adapts

The day had started badly for the Scuderia. The seven-time world champion, Lewis Hamilton, complained over the team radio that he was having trouble steering the car. It was a tricky start, and he finished 12th in FP1. Nevertheless, the Briton improved in the second session, finishing 5th. However, Charles Leclerc outpaced him by setting the fastest time of the session.

Frédéric Vasseur, the director of the Scuderia, remains confident about Hamilton’s performance: “It’s just a learning process. We had one or two test days with the TPC a month or two ago. It was a good approach, but nothing compares to the race weekend. We absolutely have to go, but I’m not worried at all. He’s in great shape. Honestly, you can’t draw conclusions after a first session,” he said. “I am absolutely convinced that he will be performing well, and quickly. Last year, I believe Carlos was eighth or ninth in free practice and he won the race.”

McLaren: Between Promises and Adjustments

Oscar Piastri seems to have a chance to finish on the podium on his home circuit, though nothing is set in stone yet. He was the second fastest behind Charles Leclerc in FP2, both in qualifying simulations and long runs.

The Australian expressed satisfaction with his day: “I would say it’s quite encouraging. I think the pace was quite good. There are still a few points to fine-tune and improve the car’s behavior, but I think the underlying pace seems solid. So I’m quite pleased with my day.” He then added: “Ferrari seemed quite fast today, and Mercedes at other times too. So yes, things are looking good, but we don’t just want to aim for the podium, we want to aim for the top step.”

Norris, for his part, was more than eager to start this session, overtaking on the grass at the pit exit and gaining an advantage over Lawson. Unfortunately, the Briton lost time by sliding at turn 3, but there was no damage, just a scare.

Asked about his feeling on the track, McLaren’s number 4 responded: « Average. I think the weekend started well. We have a good base, but we are certainly not satisfied or confident with the car, nor with finding the best balance or regularity, especially with low fuel. »

Inconsistencies highlighted by Norris, Piastri’s cautious optimism, and Vasseur’s confidence in Hamilton, this first day of testing was full of emotions and statements. There is still a lot of work to be done for all teams, but Leclerc’s performance suggests a promising weekend for Ferrari. Will Australia live up to its promise of spectacle? The answer will come Saturday with the qualifiers.