Lewis Hamilton finished fifth in practice for the Australian Grand Prix as his Ferrari team-mate Charles Leclerc led the way in Melbourne. Leclerc ended Formula One’s first running of the new season 0.124 seconds ahead of McLaren driver and home favourite Oscar Piastri.

Just a year after making his F1 debut, Leclerc was signed by Ferrari in 2019 and instantly made an impact, outshining four-time champion Sebastian Vettel. With eight wins and an impressive 26 pole positions, the Monegasque is one of the fastest drivers on the grid and adored by Ferrari and their passionate Tifosi fanbase.

Charles Leclerc left new Ferrari teammate Lewis Hamilton trailing in his wake in free practice at the season-opening Australian Formula One Grand Prix on Friday as defending champion Max Verstappen struggled with the Red Bull car.

Lewis Hamilton says the work ethic of “Mr Ferrari” Charles Leclerc is what has surprised him most about his new Formula 1 team-mate at the Scuderia. Hamilton’s blockbuster move from Mercedes to join Ferrari means he becomes Leclerc’s third team-mate in the Monegasque’s now seven-year stint in red – after Sebastian Vettel and Carlos Sainz.