Hamilton trails Leclerc in the Australian GP practice

New Ferrari driver must settle for fifth as British teen crashes

- KIERAN JACKSON

As starts to the season go, it was a horror opening for British teenager Ollie Bearman as he made his full-time debut in Formula One, while Lewis Hamilton trailed his teammate Charles Leclerc on an eventful first day of the 2025 season.

Driving for American-owned team Haas this year after his stunning Ferrari debut a year ago, 19-year-old Bearman crashed out of opening practice at the Australian Grand Prix yesterday after losing control while negotiating gravel on the outside of turn 10.

The car then spun violently, ripping off a tyre as it slammed into the narrow walls of the Albert Park street circuit. Bearman was unharmed in the crash, before saying over radio: “I am sorry.”

Yet the damage done to the car – including a costly power unit and engine change – meant the Chelmsford native could not take part in the second practice session, putting him firmly on the back foot heading into qualifying today.

Sky Sports pundit Martin Brundle commented: “It was probably a bit too gung-ho. It will have knocked some of his confidence.”

At the front, it looks nip and tuck between last year’s top two. McLaren’s Lando Norris was quickest in first practice while Charles Leclerc pipped Norris and teammate Oscar Piastri in the second hour.