Charles Leclerc was the fastest man on Friday in Melbourne. At the revamped Albert Park circuit, Ferrari appears to be the car to beat for the time being, despite claims to the contrary by both drivers.
Full results FP2 Australia
Ferrari thus closed both sessions as the fastest, as Carlos Sainz was the fastest in the first free practice session. In FP2, Verstappen managed to split the Ferrari's time, while Fernando Alonso set a handsome fourth time with Sergio Perez in his wake.
Esteban Ocon followed in sixth place, ahead of Valtteri Bottas and Lando Norris, who was thus the fastest driver with a Mercedes engine. Pierre Gasly and local hero Daniel Ricciardo complete the top ten.