Formula One World Championship leader Charles Leclerc, driving for Ferrari, posted the fastest time on the opening day of free practice on Friday. The Australian Grand Prix, the third round of the season, takes place on the semi-urban Albert Park circuit in Melbourne. The Ferrari line-up features Carlos Sainz, who topped the first session, and Fernando Alonso for Alpine, who clocked the third and fourth fastest times. Mexican Sergio Pérez, driving for Red Bull, finished in fifth place.
Australia returns to the calendar after disruptions two years ago and a later restructuring of the 2019 calendar due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Melbourne, which was set to host the championship’s first test in March that year, paused operations after teams were diverted to Oceania as soon as the first positive cases appeared, just before free practice began.
Normality appears to be gradually returning to the premier motorsport series. Ferrari, historically the most successful team, and Sainz themselves, can envision reclaiming past glory. Mercedes, dominant over the previous eight seasons with seven titles, celebrated six championships during that stretch. Lewis Hamilton, who won the championship with McLaren in 2008, has yet to rediscover the same form.
The final free practice session is scheduled for Saturday, hours before the qualifying showdown that will decide the starting grid for the race on Sunday. The event covers 58 laps, totaling about 307 kilometers in distance.
Where to watch Formula 1 races
The Formula One season can be watched live on television in Spain through Movistar Plus and DAZN.
In the major Latin American markets, including Argentina, Colombia, and Chile, the races are broadcast on Fox Sports. Televisa in Mexico will also carry the events. In the United States, Formula 1 is available to viewers on ESPN.
Australian GP qualifying schedule
Saturday, April 9
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Free practice 3 from 5:00 to 6:00 p.m.
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Classification from 8:00 to 9:00 a.m.
Sunday, April 10
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