After a tense FP1 & 2 where the grid’s rookies were truly tested, the drivers set out once again ahead of qualifying for FP3 of the F1 2025 Australian GP. Piastri topped the time sheets but what did we learn from the pre-quali session?
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The Session Begins:
Ollie Bearman was the first to take to the track, eager to recover from his FP1 incident. These first practice sessions were crucial for the large handful of new rookies joining us this season.
Unfortunately, his recovery was unsuccessful; spinning yet again just three minutes into the session. This was sadly a session-ending incident for Ollie and indeed a red flag. A harsh reminder of how unforgiving the Albert Park circuit can be.
After the very brief red flag resumed, only a handful of drivers entered the track immediately, most were waiting for the track to be rubbered in. Jack Doohan set the first timed lap with a 1:19.221, an impressive and solid pace for the Alpine.
All eyes were on Max Verstappen as he took his turn on the track. Fans and teams alike were eager to see if the Dutchman had carried his dominance into 2025. The consensus from Red Bull seemed to be that they are happy with the car thus far. Verstappen set his first time of a pacey 1:17.632. Interestingly, Red Bull ran Lawson and Verstappen on two different noses and front wings for FP3.
Oscar Piastri proceeded to quickly overshadow Max’s time by a few tenths. FP3 for the F1 2025 Australian GP truly showed what our rookies had and did not have to offer.
The Rookies Have Pace:
Jack Doohan impressed consistently throughout this session, producing strong, clean laps chipping tenths away from the top time.
Kimi Antonelli’s front wing was adjusted further down as the rookie complained to the team about the overly aggressive setup on the car. Despite a strong performance from the rookies, Verstappen remained on top by the halfway point of the session. Antonelli’s complaint was worthwhile however as he placed his Mercedes second fastest.
Soon, similar complaints were coming in from Red Bull. Verstappen expressed how his car is coming “a bit loose” while struggling to control the rear end of his car. Questions were being raised about whether this will reflect Red Bulls loss on the grip of the 2024 constructor’s title.
Lando Norris, who was determined to carry McLaren’s constructor’s championship into 2025, set some flying laps but unfortunately kicked up from gavel in the process. Norris claimed that the car was “temperamental”.
The Williams team was looking promising at Albon, and Sainz set the pace at P2 and P3, showing an incredibly strong pace for a lower-field car. As the FP3 session co-clouded, the top teams fought for the last top spot on the time sheets. Additionally, Leclerc continues to complain about the balance of his car.
As the chequered flag came down, Piastri took the top spot, boasting a 1:15.921 at the top of the timesheet. this was followed by Russell and Verstappen in P2 and P3.
Time will tell if McLaren can keep ahead for qualifying for the F1 2024 Australian GP.
Feature Image Credit: McLaren Media Centre.
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