McLaren Dominates Qatar Practice, Verstappen Frustrated, Tsunoda Radio Sparks Laughter
McLaren's Oscar Piastri led the first practice session for the 2025 Qatar Grand Prix, with Lando Norris close behind, showcasing the team's strong form. In contrast, Max Verstappen voiced significant frustration over his Red Bull's handling, finishing P6. A humorous radio exchange involving Yuki Tsunoda and Valtteri Bottas also added a light moment to the session, as teams prepare for Sprint Qualifying.
McLaren continued to set the pace in Qatar, with Oscar Piastri topping the first free practice session for the 2025 Qatar Grand Prix, closely followed by championship leader Lando Norris. Meanwhile, Max Verstappen expressed visible frustration over team radio as his Red Bull could only manage sixth place.
Why it matters:
McLaren's strong start in Qatar signals their continued competitive edge, especially against a seemingly struggling Red Bull, which could have significant implications for the championship battle. Verstappen's open frustration highlights potential underlying issues with Red Bull's setup, a rare sight for the dominant champion.
The Details:
- Oscar Piastri, still firmly in the championship fight with Norris and Verstappen, delivered a strong lap, appearing comfortable and in rhythm from the outset. Norris was also quick but finished just 0.037 seconds behind his teammate.
- Verstappen's session was less smooth, as the world champion complained about his RB21's setup, grip, and handling, unleashing a tirade over team radio. He appeared visibly dissatisfied, struggling to find a stable balance, resulting in a disappointing sixth place.
- Nico Hülkenberg narrowly missed the top 10, finishing eleventh, less than a tenth of a second off.
- Minor excursions and aborted laps were common among many drivers, though no major incidents occurred.
- Bizarre Radio Moment: Yuki Tsunoda provided a moment of levity when his team radioed, "Bottas is behind you with open DRS." Tsunoda, confused, replied, "I didn't even know Bottas was driving." Seconds later, the TV broadcast showed Bottas watching the session from the Mercedes pit garage with wide eyes, creating a humorous incident.
The Big Picture:
McLaren's continued dominance in practice sessions, especially after their strong recent performances, positions them as serious contenders for the Qatar Grand Prix. Red Bull's unexpected struggles and Verstappen's frustration could indicate a shift in the competitive balance, or merely a challenging start to the weekend for the reigning champions. The upcoming Sprint Qualifying will provide a clearer picture of the true pecking order.
What's next:
The action continues with Sprint Qualifying this evening, followed by the Sprint and regular Qualifying on Saturday. The Qatar Grand Prix is scheduled to start on Sunday at 5 PM local time. If Red Bull can't quickly resolve their setup issues, McLaren could be set for a dominant weekend, further intensifying the championship fight.