Formula 1 is Back: McLaren and Ferrari Claim Top Spots in Opening Practices

The 2025 Formula 1 season officially roared into life this morning with two practice sessions for the Australian Grand Prix. By the end of Day 1, two of the sport’s most storied teams—McLaren and Ferrari—had staked their claims at the front.

In the first practice, Lando Norris led the way for McLaren with a fastest lap of 1:17.252, followed by a surprise in second place: Carlos Sainz, now driving for Williams. McLaren’s home favorite Oscar Piastri completed the top four.

First Practice – Top 10
1) Lando Norris (McLaren) — 1:17.252
2) Carlos Sainz (Williams) — 1:17.401
3) Charles Leclerc (Ferrari) — 1:17.461
4) Oscar Piastri (McLaren) — 1:17.670
5) Max Verstappen (Red Bull) — 1:17.696
6) Alexander Albon (Williams) — 1:17.713
7) George Russell (Mercedes) — 1:17.716
8) Fernando Alonso (Aston Martin) — 1:17.736
9) Isack Hadjar (Red Bull) — 1:17.847
10) Lance Stroll (Aston Martin) — 1:18.057

The second session saw a strong showing from Ferrari. Charles Leclerc topped the charts with a 1:16.439, and his new teammate Lewis Hamilton ended the session in fifth. McLaren stayed in close contention—Oscar Piastri claimed second, while Lando Norris secured third.

Second Practice – Top 10
1) Charles Leclerc (Ferrari) — 1:16.439
2) Oscar Piastri (McLaren) — 1:16.563
3) Lando Norris (McLaren) — 1:16.580
4) Yuki Tsunoda (Red Bull) — 1:16.784
5) Lewis Hamilton (Ferrari) — 1:16.859
6) Isack Hadjar (Red Bull) — 1:17.019
7) Max Verstappen (Red Bull) — 1:17.063
8) Nico Hülkenberg (Sauber) — 1:17.161
9) Lance Stroll (Aston Martin) — 1:17.279
10) George Russell (Mercedes) — 1:17.282

Qualifying for the Australian Grand Prix is set for tomorrow at 06:00 CET, with the main race scheduled for Sunday at 05:00 CET. All eyes will be on these final sessions to see who can capitalize on early-season form—and who might spring a surprise when it matters most.