Mercedes-powered cars find rhythm, Verstappen encounters issues in FP2

The home favourite was the quickest with a 1:19.729, finishing ahead of Kimi Antonelli and George Russell. The two Ferrari drivers, Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc, finished fourth and fifth respectively. Max Verstappen set the sixth-fastest time after having some issues early on.

Fernando Alonso could also do his first laps in Melbourne after having to sit out FP1, but the two Aston Martin cars were considerably off the pace. They only finished ahead of Sergio Perez, who was unable to complete laps after a sensor issue and then stopping on track.

Carlos Sainz also experienced issues that prevented him from doing more than 10 laps.

Drivers were eager to hit the track in the second session of the day after an eventful FP1.

The first incident of the season already took place in the pit lane, as Arvid Lindblad ran through George Russell's front wing. Minutes later, Franco Colapinto was also going slowly on the main straight, with Hamilton having to take avoiding action. Both incidents will be investigated by the stewards after the session.

The RB22 also stopped under Verstappen as the Dutchman was about to exit the pit lane. The four-time world champion was pushed back to his garage.

Halfway through the session, the two Mercedes cars were in first and second place respectively. Antonelli led with a 1:19.9. Minutes later, Piastri improved to a 1:19.7.

During the final 10 minutes, there were multiple incidents as well. Verstappen ran wide exiting Turn 10 and went through the gravel trap. Perez's Cadillac also stopped on track, causing a VSC.