Australian Grand Prix Practice 3

As the sun climbs over the Albert Park Grand Prix Circuit, teams enter Free Practice 3 with more questions than answers. Friday’s running showcased a fascinating split in the new 2026 hierarchy: Ferrari looked supreme in high-speed stability, while McLaren’s Oscar Piastri stole the show under the setting sun. For the first time in years, the "Big Three" of Red Bull, Ferrari, and Mercedes appear genuinely threatened by a midfield that has been compressed by the new aero regulations. The final 60 minutes of practice will be a frantic scramble to perfect qualifying setups. With the track now "rubbered in" and grip levels at their peak, drivers will be pushing the limits of the Turn 9-10 chicane, which has already claimed several front wings this weekend. Keep a close eye on Lando Norris, who needs a trouble-free session after gearbox gremlins sidelined him for much of Friday. For the rookies like Kimi Antonelli and Arvid Lindblad, this is the last chance to practice the high-stakes qualifying simulations before the first real knockout session of the new era.