Max fourth fastest in Melbourne FP1

Published on 08 April 2022 by Stefan Meens

Max Verstappen opened his Australian Grand Prix weekend with a fourth place in the opening practice session. Carlos Sainz was quickest round the altered Albert Park Circuit in Melbourne, in front of Ferrari teammate Charles Leclerc and Max’ Oracle Red Bull Racing colleague Sergio Perez.

At the start of FP1, 1pm local time, Red Bull is first out on track with Sergio Perez’ RB18 sporting aero racks for his first run. The Milton Keynes based outfit is keen to gather data on its new front wing.

After a two-year absence due to Covid-19 pandemic, Albert Park is back on the Formula 1 calendar. The teams and drivers are keen to reacquaint themselves with the street circuit as seventeen of the twenty drivers head out in the opening minutes of the session.

Max is one of the early pace setters and after clocking the quickest lap of the session thus far, the reigning champion returns to the pits. There, the team fit their new front wing also onto Max’ car.

Near the halfway point of the session, Perez’ RB18 sheds a part on the start-finish straight, resulting in the first red-flag of the weekend. After a marshal picks up the piece of Red Bull, FP1 resumes with the Ferraris upping their game with both Sainz and Leclerc toppling Max from the top spot.

After a practice start, Leclerc misses the first corner. After a quick trip through the gravel traps, the Monegasque is able to continue. In the meantime, his Ferrari colleague Carlos Sainz is the first driver to lap the Albert Park circuit quicker than 1:20m as he sets the fastest time of the session.

With fifteen minutes to go, the second red flag of the morning is waved after Sebastian Vettel, who makes his 2022 debut after missing the opening two round due to Covid-19, was forced to park his Aston Martin on track with engine issues.

When the track is cleared, the leader board stays largely the same, but for Perez squeezing in between the Leclerc (P2) and Max (P4).

Contest GP Australia: win a by Max signed 1:4 Dutch GP 2021 scale model helmet!

Results first free practice Australia: