formula 1
Leclerc fastest in training in Melbourne ahead of Verstappen
Drove the fastest time in training in Melbourne: Ferrari driver Charles Leclerc. photo
© George Hitchens/SOPA Images via ZUMA Press Wire/dpa
Verstappen has to give way to Leclerc in Australia. The Ferrari driver sets the best time of the day in Formula 1 training. Record world champion Hamilton complains: “There’s something wrong.”
The Monegasse was 0.381 seconds faster than the winner of the first two Grands Prix of the year in 1:17.277 minutes at Melbourne’s Albert Park Circuit. Just two weeks after his appendix operation, Carlos Sainz came third in the second Ferrari and thus proved himself in the endurance test for racing. Most recently in Saudi Arabia, he was replaced by the first 18-year-old Brit Oliver Bearman, who would also step in if necessary this time.
Record world champion Lewis Hamilton had to settle for 18th position in the Mercedes, 1.557 seconds behind. “Something’s wrong,” the Englishman complained over the radio. Haas driver Nico Hülkenberg even ended up two places ahead in 16th place. The third Grand Prix of the year starts on Sunday at 5 a.m. German time.