George Russell Tops Final Australian GP Practice as Kimi Antonelli Crashes

George Russell set the fastest time in the final free practice session ahead of qualifying for the Australian Grand Prix on Saturday, while teammate Kimi Antonelli suffered a heavy crash at Albert Park Circuit.

Antonelli locked up at Turn Two late in the session and slid into the barriers, sending one of his front wheels bouncing away from the wreckage. The incident brought out a red flag as the 19-year-old confirmed over team radio that he was unhurt.

After the session resumed briefly, Russell posted the quickest lap with a time of 1:19.053, finishing 0.616 seconds ahead of Ferrari’s Lewis Hamilton. Hamilton’s teammate Charles Leclerc ended the session third.

Delays disrupt practice session

The hour-long practice had already been pushed back by 20 minutes after a crash during the preceding FIA Formula 3 Championship sprint race. A further interruption followed when Carlos Sainz stopped his Williams Racing car at the entrance to the pit lane, triggering another red flag.

Drivers used the final practice to refine car setups and collect data before the season’s first qualifying session under Formula One’s new power unit regulations, which place greater emphasis on electrical energy deployment and regeneration.

Mixed fortunes across the grid

Home favourite Oscar Piastri finished fourth, roughly one second slower than Russell.

Four-time world champion Max Verstappen placed sixth behind his Red Bull Racing teammate Isack Hadjar. Rookie Arvid Lindblad ended the session 11th.

Aston Martin F1 Team continued to struggle, with Fernando Alonso completing 20 laps while teammate Lance Stroll remained in the garage. Alonso finished 18th, ahead of Valtteri Bottas and Sergio Pérez of Cadillac F1 Team.