- First practice session of 2026 has seen McLaren struggle
Lando Norris has experienced a terrible start to the 2026 F1 season, enduring a significant issue in his McLaren car – as teammate Oscar Piastri also struggled.
Norris, the reigning world champion, was forced to end the first free practice session at Albert Park early due to a major gearbox issue.
Piastri only managed the sixth fastest time, with Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton finishing first and second.
Two teams dominated the top four spots in the first session of the year.
Red Bull’s Max Verstappen and recently promoted Isack Hadjar finished behind the Ferraris with the third and fourth fastest times.
Racing Bulls rookie Arvid Lindblad also impressed, with the 18-year-old finishing fifth fastest in his first ever F1 practice session.
Current F1 World Champion Lando Norris (pictured) has experience a terrible start to the new F1 season
Norris’ McLaren teammate Oscar Piastri (pictured) was also far from Ferrari and Red Bull’s pace
Ferrari driver Charles Leclerc (pictured) topped the first free pactice session of 2026 with teammate Lewis Hamilton finishing second
Norris’ and his McLaren mechanics will attempt to repair the damages currently presenting themself on the reigning world champion’s car.
They’ll be rushing to do so, before the second free practice session commences at 4pm AEDT.
Mercedes, seen as title contenders in 2026, were way off the pace in the first registered practice period.
Senior driver George Russell, and less experienced Kimi Antonelli, finished seventh and eighth respectively.
FP1 final standings:
- Leclerc (Ferrari) 1:20.267
- Hamilton (Ferrari) 1:20.736
- Verstappen (Red Bull) 1:20.789
- Hadjar (Red Bull) 1:21.087
- Lindblad (Racing Bulls) 1:21.313
- Piastri (McLaren) 1:21.342
- Russell (Mercedes) 1:21.371
- Antonelli (Mercedes) 1:21.376
- Bortoleto (Audi) 1:21.696
- Hulkenberg (Audi) 1:21.969
- Ocon (Haas) 1:22.161
- Sainz (Williams) 1:22.323
- Lawson (Racing Bulls) 1:22.613
- Bearman (Haas) 1:22.682
- Albon (Williams) 1:23.130
- Colapinto (Alpine) 1:23.325
- Bottas (Cadillac) 1:24.022
- Gasly (Alpine) 1:24.035
- Norris (McLaren) 1:24.391
- Perez (Cadillac) 1:24.620
- Stroll (Aston Martin) 1:50.334
- Alonso (Aston Martin) Did not run