Charles Leclerc wins first battle of the weekend in FP1 with McLaren Chasing in Second and Third, and Mercedes with more than a second behind

Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc made a bold statement in the sole practice session of the 2024 Qatar Grand Prix, clocking a blistering 1m21.953s to lead the timesheets by over four-tenths of a second. McLaren duo Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri took second and third respectively, showcasing impressive pace but falling short of the Monegasque’s benchmark.

Key Highlights from FP1

1. Ferrari Sets the Standard:
   • Both Ferraris looked strong from the outset, with Leclerc transitioning seamlessly from medium to soft tires to deliver the session’s quickest lap.
   • Teammate Carlos Sainz followed closely, securing P4.
2. McLaren in Hot Pursuit:
   • Norris and Piastri showed competitive form, particularly on soft tires, with both drivers within half a second of Leclerc.
   • Despite strong runs, McLaren couldn’t capitalize on a second flyer to narrow the gap.
3. Midfield Battles Heat Up:
   • Yuki Tsunoda (P5) led the midfield charge, delivering a strong performance in his VCARB.
   • Valtteri Bottas (P6) showed Sauber’s potential by setting the fastest middle sector.
   • Lance Stroll, George Russell, and Alex Albon rounded out the top ten.
4. Verstappen Struggles:
   • Four-time world champion Max Verstappen managed only P11, brushing the gravel on his final lap. His Red Bull appeared off the pace relative to its usual dominance.
5. Sergio Perez’s Woes Continue:
   • Perez endured another tough session, languishing in P18, raising questions about his performance ahead of the crucial sprint and race sessions.

FP1 Top 10 Results

1. Charles Leclerc (Ferrari) – 1m21.953s
2. Lando Norris (McLaren) – +0.425s
3. Oscar Piastri (McLaren) – +0.472s
4. Carlos Sainz (Ferrari) – +0.582s
5. Yuki Tsunoda (VCARB) – +1.092s
6. Valtteri Bottas (Sauber) – +1.111s
7. Lance Stroll (Aston Martin) – +1.146s
8. George Russell (Mercedes) – +1.207s
9. Alex Albon (Williams) – +1.208s
10. Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes) – +1.235s

What to Watch for in Qatar

• Ferrari vs. McLaren: Ferrari’s one-lap pace looks formidable, but McLaren’s consistency over long runs could make them strong contenders in the sprint and Grand Prix.
• Mercedes Momentum: After a dominant performance in Las Vegas, Mercedes will aim to refine their setup and capitalize on race pace.
• Verstappen’s Recovery: Max Verstappen’s subdued start might be misleading; expect the Dutchman to bounce back during qualifying and the sprint race.
• Midfield Surprises: With Tsunoda and Bottas showing promising speed, the midfield battle promises to be fiercely contested.

The Qatar GP is shaping up to deliver high-stakes action under the Lusail lights, with Ferrari and McLaren poised for a dramatic fight at the front.