Ferrari and McLaren Shine as Rain Threatens Australian Grand Prix

Charles Leclerc led Ferrari's charge in the Australian Formula One Grand Prix practice, leaving teammate Lewis Hamilton and others trailing. McLaren's Oscar Piastri also impressed, while Max Verstappen struggled with his Red Bull car. Rain looms as a potential factor for Sunday's race results.

In a dramatic start to the Formula One season at the Australian Grand Prix, Charles Leclerc of Ferrari dominated Friday's practice sessions, leaving his new teammate Lewis Hamilton, and others in his slipstream. While Leclerc topped the second practice session in Albert Park, Max Verstappen, the defending champion, faced difficulties with his Red Bull setup.

Third quickest in FP1, Leclerc secured the fastest time in FP2 on soft tires, surpassing McLaren's Oscar Piastri by a narrow margin. Lando Norris, Piastri's teammate, trailed Leclerc, with Hamilton improving his pace in FP2 but remaining behind the faster contenders.

Despite forecasts of rain potentially disrupting Sunday's race, the practice sessions highlighted mixed performances across the grid. McLaren's pace encouraged expectations for their season, contrasting with challenges faced by Red Bull and newcomers navigating their first F1 season.

(With inputs from agencies.)