Lando Norris made a bold statement in the first practice session of the Australian Grand Prix, setting the fastest time ahead of reigning world champion Max Verstappen. The McLaren driver clocked a best lap of 1:17.252 on soft tyres, edging out Williams’ Carlos Sainz in a session disrupted by two red flags. Meanwhile, Lewis Hamilton struggled to make an impact, finishing 12th on his Ferrari debut.
Norris Edges Out Sainz in a Chaotic Session
The opening practice session at Albert Park saw Norris steal the top spot in the dying moments, surpassing Sainz’s earlier benchmark. Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc finished third, while Norris’ teammate Oscar Piastri secured fourth.
Red Bull’s Verstappen could only manage fifth place, finishing 0.444 seconds adrift of Norris, while Williams’ Alex Albon took an impressive sixth. The reigning champion had previously warned that Red Bull was “not the quickest at the moment,” and Friday’s session reinforced his concerns.
Mercedes had a mixed outing, with George Russell seventh and rookie Kimi Antonelli 14th. Seven-time world champion Hamilton ended 0.819 seconds off the pace, highlighting the adjustment period he faces after switching to Ferrari.
High Drama as Bearman Crashes Out
The session was marred by two red flags, the second of which came after Haas rookie Ollie Bearman crashed into the barriers, ripping off his rear right wheel. The young Brit apologized over the radio but walked away unscathed.
Earlier, Alpine’s Jack Doohan went wide at Turn 6, scattering gravel onto the track and causing a seven-minute delay.
Verstappen Faces Tough Challenge in Title Defence
Verstappen, chasing his second Australian GP win after last year’s victory, has acknowledged that Red Bull is not in peak form. His new teammate Liam Lawson, who replaced the dropped Sergio Perez, endured a tough start—brushing the wall at Turn 9 and finishing 16th.
Last season, Norris emerged as a surprise title contender following Verstappen’s mid-season slump. McLaren also overhauled Red Bull to claim the constructors’ championship, setting the stage for an intense 2025 season.
Sainz Makes a Statement After Ferrari Exit
One of the biggest surprises of the session was Carlos Sainz, who finished second in his first official outing for Williams. The Spaniard, who was ousted from Ferrari to make way for Hamilton, proved that his new team has made strides since last season.
On a perfect autumn day, Sauber’s Nico Hülkenberg was the first driver on track, but it was Norris who set the first competitive lap time of the season. While Verstappen initially took control on soft tyres, Sainz stunned the field with a 1:17.401 before Bearman’s crash.
With 11 minutes left, the session resumed, and Norris delivered a last-minute flyer to snatch P1 from Sainz. As the weekend progresses, all eyes will be on whether McLaren can maintain its edge or if Red Bull has more pace in reserve.
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