Surprise in Free Practice 2 at the Australian Grand Prix. Charles Leclerc has achieved first place with a certain advantage over Max Verstappen, who has had many difficulties controlling his car. The Spaniards have shown great pace, as Sainz, despite not being at one hundred percent, finished in third position, while Alonso was fifth, behind his teammate.
Most of the drivers have suffered in the first two rounds in Melbourne. The Asturian, in Free Practice 1, went into the gravel at turn 10 and was about to hit the wall. Even the Red Bulls, who seemed unchallengeable in the first two rounds of the championship, have had problems keeping the car on the track. Checo, who finished eighth, acknowledged that “it has been a complicated Friday, we have work to do tonight.”
The Ferraris, who have just improved in Jeddah, hit the table, especially Leclerc, who is three tenths ahead of Verstappen, second in Free Practice 2. The Italians are favored by the Albert Park layout and could achieve the first line if the Dutchman continues to have problems. It will also be key to see how Sainz is doing, who, despite not being fully recovered, has remained one tenth behind the three-time world champion.
The Madrid driver, who yesterday explained that he felt capable of racing, declared: “I’m tired, but I haven’t felt any pain during the day.” Likewise, Sainz does not rule out the fight for pole: “Tomorrow I will go for that pole that may be within reach. If I can improve, I could be in the fight.”
The Aston Martins also surprised in the second free practice session. The race pace can still be improved, however, the two drivers of the British team are in the fight to take, at least, the second row. Even so, the McLarens and Russells are right behind, so there is a very small margin between the second and fifth row.
Lewis Hamilton, on the other hand, was not comfortable and finished eighteenth. The seven-time world champion, who was also not good in Saudi Arabia, suffered during the two rounds, with several off-tracks. “It was one of the worst sessions I’ve had in a long time,” acknowledged the Mercedes driver. Only Magnussen finished behind him, as Albon, who had an accident in Free Practice 1, was unable to ride in the second session.
Williams does not have a third chassis to repair the Thai’s car, so the British team will only be able to race with Sargeant’s car. However, Albon will be the driver participating in the Grand Prix, leaving the American out of combat this weekend.
