Verstappen Leads Crimson Bull 1-2 in Bumpy Opening Observe for Australian Grand Prix

AUSTRALIA: Max Verstappen led the best way for Crimson Bull Racing within the opening follow session for the Australian Grand Prix, with the Dutch driver posting the quickest lap time of 1:19.3.
Verstappen’s teammate, Sergio Perez, completed second, simply two-tenths of a second behind, whereas Fernando Alonso claimed the third spot on the leaderboard.
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The session obtained off to a flying begin, with all 20 drivers finishing no less than one lap throughout the first 5 minutes.
Nonetheless, a number of drivers struggled with the circuit’s bumps, with Logan Sargeant reporting that they have been so dangerous he couldn’t see. Hamilton additionally complained of bouncing on the observe floor.
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Verstappen set his quickest lap on the tender Pirelli tires, one step more durable than final 12 months’s softs that Pirelli delivered to Melbourne. Halfway by the session, Norris rejoined the motion and put in his quickest lap on medium tires.
He completed in sixth place, behind Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz of Ferrari. Yuki Tsunoda had a close to miss with the Flip 1 wall, whereas Nyck de Vries obtained in Hamilton’s method.
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The session was interrupted by a pink flag with 23 minutes remaining because of an issue with the observe’s GPS, resulting in visitors points.
The session resumed with 14 minutes on the clock, however Leclerc and Sainz have been absent as Ferrari labored on their SF-23s.
Verstappen was left unhappy along with his automotive’s efficiency, complaining to his staff that they have been “dragging the rear brakes an excessive amount of.”
There was additionally late drama for Sargeant, whose automotive “shut off,” leaving him stranded on the aspect of the observe at Flip 11.
The session ended with Verstappen, Hamilton, and Perez ending within the high three spots, whereas Alonso and Leclerc completed fourth and fifth, respectively.
Carlos Sainz, Lando Norris, and Pierre Gasly rounded out the highest eight, whereas George Russell and Lance Stroll accomplished the highest ten.
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