Verstappen trails Racing Bulls as Leclerc pips Mc…read more
In the lead-up to the 2025 Australian Grand Prix, the second free practice session (FP2) at Melbourne’s Albert Park Circuit showcased a mix of expected performances and surprising developments, setting the stage for an unpredictable race weekend.
Charles Leclerc of Ferrari emerged as the fastest driver in FP2, clocking a lap time of 1:16.439 on soft tyres. This performance not only underscored Leclerc’s skill but also highlighted Ferrari’s potential competitiveness this season. Leclerc’s new teammate, seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton, faced challenges adapting to the new machinery, finishing fifth in FP2 after a 12th-place result in the first session (FP1). Hamilton acknowledged the need to adjust his driving style to suit the Ferrari’s unique characteristics, expressing optimism about his progress. Team Principal Fred Vasseur remained confident in Hamilton’s ability to adapt quickly, emphasizing that initial sessions are primarily for familiarization rather than immediate speed.
McLaren’s drivers also made a strong impression. Oscar Piastri secured the second-fastest time in FP2, trailing Leclerc by just 0.124 seconds, while his teammate Lando Norris secured third place. Norris, despite setting the pace in FP1, expressed concerns about the car’s consistency during low-fuel runs, though he felt more comfortable with its performance under higher fuel loads.
Defending champion Max Verstappen of Red Bull Racing encountered difficulties during FP2. Struggling with the car’s setup, Verstappen was unable to extract optimal performance from the soft tyres and ended the session in seventh place on medium tyres. He reported a lack of grip across all four tyres, particularly in the first and last sectors, and noted that the issues were not due to significant balance problems, making them challenging to resolve.
The rebranded Racing Bulls team showcased promising pace, with Yuki Tsunoda achieving the fourth-fastest time in FP2. His teammate, rookie Isack Hadjar, impressed by securing the sixth spot, marking a strong debut performance.
Mercedes faced a mixed day, with George Russell finishing seventh in FP1 and tenth in FP2. Russell reported issues with understeer at high speeds and excessive heat during the first session. Additionally, he experienced a late-session spin in FP1, narrowly avoiding a collision with the barriers. His rookie teammate, Andrea Kimi Antonelli, concluded the sessions in 14th and 16th positions, respectively, as he continues to acclimate to Formula 1 machinery.
The day’s sessions were not without incidents. Rookie driver Oliver Bearman of Haas suffered a heavy crash in FP1 after sliding through the gravel at Turn 10, resulting in significant damage to his car and the dislodging of the right rear wheel. Bearman was unharmed but was unable to participate in FP2 due to the necessary repairs. The incident brought out one of two red flags during FP1, the other caused by debris on the track. Additionally, Alpine’s rookie Jack Doohan and Red Bull’s Liam Lawson required repairs to their cars after off-track excursions in FP1.
Weather forecasts predict rain for Sunday’s race, which could significantly influence race strategies and outcomes. The variability in performances during the practice sessions, combined with the potential for inclement weather, suggests that teams and drivers will need to remain adaptable and vigilant as the weekend progresses.
As the teams analyze the data from Friday’s sessions, Saturday’s final practice and qualifying will provide further insights into the pecking order and set the stage for an exciting season opener at the Australian Grand Prix.
