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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.

Below is the complete driver times and lap counts for each driver


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


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