The first free practice session of the 2026 Formula 1 season was marked, as had not happened in some years, by mechanical problems. Difficulties began as soon as the session started: the Racing Bulls of British driver Arvin Limbldad stopped before it could even leave the pits, while Australian Oscar Piastri of McLaren reported accelerator issues, unable to give the car the desired power. Lando Norris, the current World Champion, also had problems, complaining at the seven-minute mark about his car's behavior when downshifting, indicating gearbox issues. Meanwhile, Spanish driver Fernando Alonso was unable to take to the track due to problems with his new Honda engine, the same brand that had given him numerous headaches between 2016 and 2017 when he drove for McLaren. His teammate also had to return the car to the pits earlier than expected, with similar problems with the power unit. Argentine Franco Colapinto had a session with few issues, only going off the track at turn 3, where he braked too late, locked his tires, and ran onto the grass beside the asphalt. Franco Colapinto finished in sixteenth place in the Free Practice 1 of the Australian Grand Prix, the first race of the Formula 1 calendar. According to the Argentine News Agency, the session was plagued by mechanical problems for various drivers: the most affected was the Aston Martin of Fernando Alonso, who was unable to complete any laps, and his teammate Lance Stroll had to abort his participation. The Williams of Alexander Albon also lost power on the main straight. The Argentine's best time was 1:23.325, over three seconds off the pace, with his only issue being a spin at the exit of turn 3 that took him onto the grass. The session leader was Ferrari's Charles Leclerc, who set a time of 1:20.267 late in the practice, four-tenths ahead of second-placed Lewis Hamilton, who also drives for the Italian team. Beyond that, the driver from Paraná had no problems, although his car was not noted for its good pace, and he finished two places above his teammate and main rival, Pierre Gasly. The second practice will begin at 2:00 AM on Friday (Argentina time) and will allow drivers to test in the same time slot as the qualifying session, usually in similar weather conditions.
