F1 LIVE | Follow the first free practice for the Australian GP here

It is time for the first free practice session for the Australian Grand Prix. The first practice session of the weekend kicks off early in the morning for European fans (1:30am GMT / 2:30am CET) and you can keep up to date with all the developments from Melbourne Park via the liveblog below.

F1 LIVE | FP1: Australian Grand Prix

The Australian weekend marks already the third Grand Prix of the season. Max Verstappen won the first two races of the season with great ease and Red Bull Racing's rivals will be hoping to be closer to him at Melbourne's semi-street circuit. Starting with FP1, then, where it is important for the teams to get plenty of mileage right away.

Mercedes hopes to connect more with the youngsters at the front. In Bahrain and Saudi Arabia, the team led by Toto Wolff disappointed, but the chances in Australia are estimated to be better. At the same time, Ferrari and McLaren are also getting to know their cars better and better, so next weekend promises to be particularly close again.

Melbourne's circuit is almost 5.3 kilometres long and has 14 corners. Last year, Verstappen won there for the first time in his career.