Seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton racing a Ferrari for the first time. Reigning world champion Max Verstappen arriving without a lot of mileage in his Red Bull.

Ferrari boss Fred Vasseur said he was in "absolutely no doubt" that Lewis Hamilton would be ready "to perform and perform soon" after his star signing finished fifth in practice for the season-opening Australian Grand Prix.

An official FIA document revealed that the tyre starting pressures of Hamilton, Verstappen, Oscar Piastri, Lando Norris, Esteban Ocon and thirteen others on the grid were checked as part of random inspections conducted by the sport's governing body.