Autosport Podcast: Reviewing Friday practice for the Australian GP

The first bit of track action for the 2025 Formula 1 season is now over, as teams and drivers took to Albert Park Circuit for both Friday practice sessions ahead of the Australian Grand Prix.

So, Autosport’s Ben Hunt and Filip Cleeren report from the paddock analysing the battle at the front, as Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc topped both sessions. However, McLaren still look strong with its race pace, so they currently look like the top two teams.

There is also a discussion on where Red Bull fit in with the reigning drivers’ world champion Max Verstappen, as well as talk on Lewis Hamilton and his early struggles against new team-mate Leclerc. 

Ben and Fil also review the six rookies on their first day of the season, as Racing Bulls’ Isack Hadjar showed promise, yet Verstappen’s team-mate Liam Lawson struggled for pace while Haas’ Oliver Bearman crashed in FP1, an incident which brought an early end to his day.