FP1: Norris sets the pace as Bearman crashes out in 2025 F1 Australian GP free practice 1
The highly anticipated 2025 Formula 1 season roared to a start in Melbourne with the Free Practice 1 session of the Australian Grand Prix. Lando Norris claimed the top spot on the timesheets for McLaren, while rookie Ollie Bearman suffered a heavy crash, marking a dramatic opening to the championship.
With clear skies and warm weather setting the stage, the 20-strong field hit the iconic Albert Park Circuit in a bid to acclimate to the conditions during the opening 60-minute session.
Among the new faces on the grid were rising stars such as Red Bull's Liam Lawson, Mercedes' Kimi Antonelli, Alpine's Jack Doohan, Haas' Ollie Bearman, Racing Bulls' Isack Hadjar, and Kick Sauber's Gabriel Bortoleto, all vying to make their mark in the fast-evolving F1 landscape.
The session also saw the much-discussed debut of Lewis Hamilton in Ferrari's storied red, a sighting that has captivated fans and critics alike.
The session began with all drivers promptly taking to the track to test the conditions. Minor incidents included Lawson lightly brushing the wall at Turn 9 and Max Verstappen temporarily losing grip through Turn 6.
Not long after, multiple drivers, including local favorite Jack Doohan, dislodged gravel onto the track around the Turn 6 area, prompting the first red flag of the season to allow for necessary cleanup.
Ferrari's Charles Leclerc initially held P1 with a time of 1m 17.880s on medium tires, fending off competition from Mercedes' George Russell. However, the leaderboard saw a reshuffle after the restart, with drivers switching to softer compound tires.
World Champion Max Verstappen briefly moved to the top with a 1m 17.696s, soon overtaken by Williams' new recruit Carlos Sainz, who recorded an impressive 1m 17.401s lap.
Drama struck when Bearman lost control of his Haas at the Turn 9/10 chicane, colliding into the wall. Despite the severity of the crash, Bearman radioed in unscathed, "I’m sorry," expressing disappointment after the abrupt end to his inaugural FP1 stint.
In the final moments of the session, Norris seized the lead with a stellar 1m 17.252s, finishing a tenth-and-a-half ahead of Sainz. Completing the top five were Leclerc, homegrown talent Oscar Piastri of McLaren, and Verstappen.
Alex Albon secured sixth for Williams, with Russell in seventh despite a late spin at Turn 4. The top ten was completed by Aston Martin's Fernando Alonso and Lance Stroll, with Hadjar's Racing Bulls breaking into the mix.
Yuki Tsunoda trailed his new teammate, while Hamilton, battling car control issues, wound up 12th. The session concluded with rookie drivers Doohan, Antonelli, Bortoleto, and Lawson securing positions further down the order.
Alpine's Pierre Gasly and Kick Sauber's Nico Hulkenberg ended in 17th and 18th, as Haas filled the final slots, Esteban Ocon and Bearman trailing at the session’s conclusion.
With FP1 concluded, the teams will reconvene in the Albert Park paddock to reassess and prepare for FP2, set to commence at 1600 local time.
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