F1 GP Australia: Leclerc responds to Sainz in Free Practice 2 (summary + ranking)

Charles Leclerc regains the lead over Carlos Sainz and Max Verstappen. Summary and ranking of the second free practice session of the 2022 Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix.

The trend of free practice 1 was confirmed during the second session of the day. The Ferrari continue to impress against the competition. The single-seater with the prancing horse is the easiest to drive. This allows Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz to seek the limits and to impose the F1 board references. This afternoon, the Monegasque regained the advantage over his teammate.

As in Jeddah, the Red Bull seem complicated to drive. Especially since they do not seem to have their impressive top speed. Max Verstappen had to do it several times before achieving a correct lap, which allows him to insert himself between the two Ferraris on the time sheet.

The big surprise of the day is signed Alpine. The French clan continues to impress by confirming its position as outsider, in Australia, and third force on the board ahead of the Mercedes. Without improvement, the German clan continues to look for itself in the settings. But no solution only seems to be found on both sides of the garage. A certain lack of engine power and an imposing drag, this weekend promises to be complicated for the Silver Arrows.

The weekends follow one another and are not alike for Haas. The American team, lacking resources, has no room for error. Accustomed to the top 10 since the start of the season, she is now confined to the back of the pack.

Sebastian Vettel was unable to return to the track for this second free practice session of the Australian Grand Prix. The problem with his gearbox seems bigger than expected.