Piastri Tops Qatar FP1, Edging Norris for McLaren One-Two
Oscar Piastri topped the first free practice session in Qatar, closely followed by McLaren teammate Lando Norris, despite challenging windy conditions. Piastri's strong start is vital for his championship aspirations, while McLaren's overall pace suggests they are immediate contenders. Max Verstappen, however, struggled with handling, indicating Red Bull has work to do.
Oscar Piastri kicked off his Qatar Grand Prix weekend with a strong showing in FP1, narrowly beating his McLaren teammate Lando Norris amidst challenging desert conditions. The session saw drivers grappling with grip and balance as strong winds swept across the track, setting a tricky stage for the remainder of the weekend.
Why it matters:
Piastri's performance provides a crucial boost, especially at a circuit where he has historically outpaced Norris in race trim. As he trails his teammate in the championship fight, a sharp, error-free weekend is essential for Piastri to keep his title hopes alive. McLaren's immediate pace also suggests they could be a strong contender in Qatar, building on their recent competitive form.
The details:
- Challenging Conditions: The Losail International Circuit presented a dusty, wind-swept environment, making it difficult for drivers to find consistent grip and balance. This led to several drivers running wide, particularly on the harder compounds.
- Tyre Strategy: Most teams began the session on hard tires, mindful of Pirelli's strict 25-lap limit per tire set for the weekend. This strategic use of hard tires early on conserved the softer compounds for later in the session and the race.
- Soft Tyre Pace: As drivers switched to soft tires for qualifying simulations, the lap times significantly improved. Piastri set the benchmark with a 1m20.924s lap, just 0.058s ahead of Norris, showcasing McLaren's strong single-lap pace on the softs.
- Top Performers: Fernando Alonso secured third for Aston Martin, followed by Carlos Sainz (Williams) and Isack Hadjar (RB), who continued to impress. Max Verstappen, despite struggling with handling issues and complaining about traffic, finished sixth.
- Verstappen's Struggles: Verstappen expressed frustration with his car's handling and a compromised lap due to Pierre Gasly's Alpine, indicating Red Bull has work to do on their setup before qualifying.
What's next:
The focus now shifts to Sprint Qualifying, where teams will aim to translate their FP1 learnings into competitive grid positions for the Sprint Race. McLaren's strong start suggests they are well-placed, but Red Bull and other front-runners will be working hard to iron out their issues. The gusty conditions and unique tire limitations will continue to be critical factors, potentially shaking up the order as the weekend progresses.