It was advantage Max Verstappen in the opening Formula 1 free practice for the 2023 Australian Grand Prix.
The World Champion pumped in a 1:18.790s to sit atop the time sheets, beating 2021 title rival Lewis Hamilton into second place after a late flyer from the Mercedes driver.
Sergio Perez was third in the sister Red Bull, as Verstappen was fined €700 by the stewards after the session for speeding in the pitlane.
In the second session, the rain came, disrupting the usual run plans for the teams.
Fernando Alonso ended fastest in the difficult-to-read session.
Below, you can follow all the reaction and news from the paddock after Friday practice in Melbourne.
Free practice 2 - Australian
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F1 2023 Australian Grand Prix RN365 News dossier
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