Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton showcased their speed during the opening practice session of the 2026 Formula 1 season at the Australian Grand Prix, with Leclerc clocking in at a time that was 0.469 seconds faster than Hamilton.

Max Verstappen closely followed, finishing less than 0.1 seconds behind the duo, indicating a tightly contested start to the season. Isack Hadjar, making his mark in the practice session, secured the fourth fastest time, though he was 0.820 seconds off the pace.

Challenges for Other Drivers

Fernando Alonso faced setbacks as he was unable to participate due to a problem with his Honda power unit. Meanwhile, Lance Stroll managed only three laps before an engine issue was discovered on his car, raising concerns for the Aston Martin team.

BBC’s Coverage of the 2026 Season

The 2026 Formula 1 season is set to be extensively covered by the BBC, with live commentary available on BBC Radio 5 Live for every session of each race. Harry Benjamin will take on the role of main race commentator, ensuring fans stay updated with all the action.

The Chequered Flag podcast will also provide previews and reviews for every race, enhancing the viewing experience for fans of the sport.

Looking Ahead

The first practice session took place on March 6, 2026, with subsequent sessions scheduled throughout the weekend. The Grand Prix is set to commence on March 8 at 03:30 GMT.

As the season unfolds, questions remain about the performance of teams like Mercedes and the defending champion Lando Norris, with Harry Benjamin asking, “Are Mercedes really favourites? Can Lando make a successful defence of his title?” Details remain unconfirmed regarding the full impact of the early practice results on the upcoming races.

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