Australian GP
Checo Pérez finishes 20th in first practice for Australian GP 2026
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Sergio ‘Checo’ Pérez returned to Formula 1 with the Cadillac team at the 2026 Australian Grand Prix, finishing 20th in the first free practice session at Albert Park Circuit in Melbourne. The Mexican completed 14 laps with minor technical issues, as Charles Leclerc topped the session with a time of 1:20.267. This debut marks Cadillac's entry as the 11th team on the grid.
McLaren's Oscar Piastri topped FP2 at the 2026 Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix with a 1:19.729s lap, ahead of Mercedes' Kimi Antonelli and George Russell. Teams grappled with energy management under new rules at Albert Park, Aston Martin hit by battery woes, while Ferrari led FP1 but voiced concerns over Mercedes' pace.
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Lewis Hamilton says he feels much happier entering his second year at Ferrari, better integrated with the team after a tough 2025, as the Australian Grand Prix weekend begins. Teammate Charles Leclerc stays neutral on expectations, while both drivers anticipate challenges from the new 2026 regulations.
The 2026 Formula 1 season begins with the Australian Grand Prix at Albert Park in Melbourne from March 6 to 8. New regulations introduce slimmer cars and technical changes, promising a competitive shake-up. Mercedes and Ferrari drivers are among the early favorites for victory.