Motor racing-Leclerc fastest in final practice at Australian Grand Prix

Formula One F1 - Australian Grand Prix - Melbourne Grand Prix Circuit, Melbourne, Australia - March 23, 2024 Ferrari's Charles Leclerc during practice Mark Peterson

MELBOURNE - Ferrari's Charles Leclerc topped the timesheets in the final free practice at the Formula One Australian Grand Prix on Saturday in a minor boost before qualifying at Albert Park.

Leclerc, who was also quickest in the second practice session on Friday, clocked one minute 16:714 seconds with his final flying lap around the street circuit, 0.02 seconds better than Red Bull's world champion, Max Verstappen.

Leclerc's teammate Carlos Sainz held the top spot with a fast, early time on medium tyres but ended up third-quickest ahead of Mercedes driver Lewis Hamilton, who posted his best on soft tyres after initially struggling on the compound.

Hamilton's teammate Russell, who complained on the team radio of always finding Hamilton on flying laps, was fifth quickest.

Fernando Alonso was sixth for Aston Martin, ahead of Red Bull's seventh-placed Sergio Perez and McLaren's eight-quickest Oscar Piastri.

Aston Martin's Lance Stroll had the ninth-fastest time, and McLaren's Lando Norris rounded out the top 10.

Alex Albon, swapped into Williams teammate Logan Sargeant's car after wrecking his own during Friday practice, had a small skid at turn nine and complained that his rear tyres were "totally gone".

The car was otherwise unscathed, though, as he finished with the 13th fastest lap.

(Reporting by Ian Ransom in Melbourne; Editing by Gerry Doyle)