F1 2025 Australian GP: Leclerc tops FP2, McLaren looks strong
The opening day of the 2025 Australian Grand Prix set the stage for what promises to be an intense and unpredictable race weekend at Albert Park.
The spotlight was firmly on McLaren’s Oscar Piastri, who shone in practice, setting the second-fastest time in FP2 behind Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc.
However, the session was not without its drama, particularly for reigning world champion Max Verstappen.
Red Bull appeared off the pace, with Verstappen finishing only seventh in FP2, raising concerns about their performance on the newly surfaced Melbourne circuit.
Verstappens price with top online bookmakers has drifted to $5 to win at Albert Park on a wet sunday following the conclusion of Melbourne Formula 1 Day 1
Verstappen himself admitted that their struggles were not unexpected, but he showed little confidence in a swift overnight turnaround.
Australia’s other representative, Jack Doohan, made an encouraging start to his Alpine career, outpacing experienced teammate Pierre Gasly in both practice sessions.
Despite his strong showing, Doohan downplayed comparisons, emphasising the team’s focus on experimenting with different setups rather than outright lap times.
The McLaren duo of Piastri and Norris appear to have the strongest package so far, though tensions could flare between the teammates as the season progresses.
Ferrari’s Leclerc set the benchmark in FP2, reinforcing predictions that he will be a major threat this weekend, with BetOnline dropping him to $4 to win.
His new teammate, Lewis Hamilton, remains a few tenths off the pace but is steadily adjusting to his new surroundings.
Meanwhile, Mercedes’ George Russell echoed concerns about tyre performance, indicating that the battle at the front remains wide open.
With soaring temperatures expected for Saturday’s qualifying and a strong likelihood of rain on race day, teams face a crucial balancing act in their setup choices. The stage is set for a thrilling weekend, with McLaren, Ferrari, and potentially a resurgent Red Bull all vying for supremacy in Melbourne.
F1 Best Lap Times
| Pos | No | Driver | Team | Best Time | Laps |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 16 | Charles Leclerc | Ferrari | 1:16.439 | 32 |
| 2 | 81 | Oscar Piastri | McLaren Mercedes | 1:16.563 | 30 |
| 3 | 4 | Lando Norris | McLaren Mercedes | 1:16.580 | 30 |
| 4 | 22 | Yuki Tsunoda | Racing Bulls Honda RBPT | 1:16.784 | 29 |
| 5 | 44 | Lewis Hamilton | Ferrari | 1:16.859 | 31 |
| 6 | 6 | Isack Hadjar | Racing Bulls Honda RBPT | 1:17.019 | 30 |
| 7 | 1 | Max Verstappen | Red Bull Racing Honda RBPT | 1:17.063 | 22 |
| 8 | 27 | Nico Hulkenberg | Kick Sauber Ferrari | 1:17.161 | 24 |
| 9 | 18 | Lance Stroll | Aston Martin Aramco Mercedes | 1:17.279 | 28 |
| 10 | 63 | George Russell | Mercedes | 1:17.282 | 30 |
| 11 | 55 | Carlos Sainz | Williams Mercedes | 1:17.302 | 30 |
| 12 | 23 | Alexander Albon | Williams Mercedes | 1:17.302 | 28 |
| 13 | 14 | Fernando Alonso | Aston Martin Aramco Mercedes | 1:17.330 | 27 |
| 14 | 7 | Jack Doohan | Alpine Renault | 1:17.394 | 30 |
| 15 | 10 | Pierre Gasly | Alpine Renault | 1:17.493 | 30 |
| 16 | 12 | Andrea Kimi Antonelli | Mercedes | 1:17.634 | 31 |
| 17 | 30 | Liam Lawson | Red Bull Racing Honda RBPT | 1:17.640 | 30 |
| 18 | 5 | Gabriel Bortoleto | Kick Sauber Ferrari | 1:17.847 | 29 |
| 19 | 31 | Esteban Ocon | Haas Ferrari | 1:18.034 | 31 |
| 20 | 87 | Oliver Bearman | Haas Ferrari | 1:19.312 | 12 |
