Leclerc’s impressive speed makes a Ferrari a genuine pole threat · RaceFans

For 22 seasons since joining the Formula 1 calendar in 1996, Australia’s Albert Park circuit was the perfect venue to host the first round of the championship.

A street circuit set in the popular Australian city with multiple long straights, overtaking opportunities, a mix of slow, 90-degree and high-speed corners with plenty of bumps and minimal natural grip. Throw in a field of new cars, the odd rookie or two and it’s no wonder why races in Melbourne are often so memorable.

While Albert Park has not kicked off the world championship since 2019, it might as well be this weekend. After two rounds dominated Max Verstappenand Red Bull in what has felt more like a continuation of last season rather than an all new championship, the Australian Grand Prix looks like it might finally shake things up.

After an eventful Friday came to an end, it was not Red Bull who were fastest, but Ferrari. And by no small margin: Charles Leclerc had almost four tenths of a second over the world champion after their fastest push laps in the evening session. But while the results alone do not tell the full story, Leclerc’s declaration that this was Ferrari’s “best shot” at Red Bull to date is reason enough for fans of Ferrari or of greater competition at the front of the field in general to get excited.

Meanwhile, Verstappen described his day as “a little bit messy” after battling with his car’s balance in the low-grip conditions, resulting in him running off late in the early session and damaging his RB20’s floor.

“I think Ferrari is quick,” the world champion accepted. “From our side, I think there are a few more things that we can fine-tune. Nothing crazy, nothing worrying. We just need to fine-tune a little bit the car.”

But Verstappen will not be the only driver seeking more time and grip from his car’s set-up overnight. From Verstappen to Leclerc, Fernando Alonso to Lewis Hamilton, George Russell to Lando Norris, Lance Stroll to Yuki Tsunoda and even honorary Aussie Valtteri Bottas, the vast majority of the field had a heart-stopping moment or two out over the two hours of practice.

“Everything is very tricky,” Leclerc explained after setting the best time of the day.

“It’s a very challenging track with quite high kerbs and the wind as well. There’s also only one line and whenever you get a bit off line, then you lose a lot of grip. But it makes it quite fun.”

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