Australian Grand Prix: Lewis Hamilton 12th in first practice as Lando Norris fastest

In the first practice session of the Australian Grand Prix, McLaren's Lando Norris delivered an impressive performance, leading the field. However, British rookie Oliver Bearman suffered a significant crash, casting a shadow over the season opener. This incident highlighted the inherent risks involved in Formula 1 racing and the importance of driver safety.

Bearman, who has previously competed in three races for Ferrari and Haas, is embarking on his first full F1 season this year. He lost control at Turn 10, causing his car to skid and collide with the wall, thankfully without sustaining any injuries. The accident resulted in a ten-minute red flag stoppage to allow for the removal of his damaged vehicle, emphasizing the disruption such incidents can cause.

Meanwhile, Lewis Hamilton, making his debut for Ferrari, finished only 12th, trailing the leader by 0.819 seconds and his teammate Charles Leclerc by 0.61 seconds. Hamilton complained to Ferrari over the radio about "difficult steering" at the Albert Park circuit in Melbourne, suggesting potential setup issues for the team to address.

Norris led Sainz by 0.149 seconds, with Sainz narrowly edging out Leclerc by a mere 0.06 seconds. Among the other drivers, McLaren's Oscar Piastri finished fourth, followed closely by Red Bull's Max Verstappen, Williams' Alex Albon, and Mercedes' George Russell, showcasing a competitive field.

Off the track, all 10 teams have signed commercial agreements with F1, committing to participate until 2030. Before the current agreement expires at the end of this season, they still need to negotiate contracts with the governing body, the FIA, which may take some time, ensuring the long-term stability and future of the sport.