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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
- Charles Leclerc (Ferrari) – 1m21.953s
- Lando Norris (McLaren) – +0.425s
- Oscar Piastri (McLaren) – +0.472s
- Carlos Sainz (Ferrari) – +0.582s
- Yuki Tsunoda (VCARB) – +1.092s
- Valtteri Bottas (Sauber) – +1.111s
- Lance Stroll (Aston Martin) – +1.146s
- George Russell (Mercedes) – +1.207s
- Alex Albon (Williams) – +1.208s
- 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.