The free trials of Qatar GP they saw Charles Leclerc dominate the session ahead of Lando Norris and Oscar Piastres, with McLaren and Ferrari among the main protagonists for the stage victory, as well as for the Race for the constructors' title, that It can be decided already this weekend. Despite some difficulties for Red Bull and Mercedes, the weekend promises to be highly competitive.
Ferrari and McLaren: the world duel has already begun
La Ferrari decided to let Leclerc try the new experimental fund. A choice not initially foreseen, but which comes after the positive feedback from Sainz in Las Vegas, who had noticed an improvement in confidence with the SF-24.
The gamble seems to be paying off: during FP1, the number 16 showed that he was adapting well to the car, even if he felt a strange sensation in the brakes, later denied by the pit wall. With both drivers in good shape (Leclerc first and Sainz fourth), Ferrari seems ready to play for victory with McLaren, which currently remains the favourite.
The Woking team, in fact, impressed with both its drivers. Norris, who saw his hopes of winning the drivers' title vanish in Las Vegas, closed the session at according to placed 4 tenths behind Leclerc, as well as Piastres. The 2001-born rider, who won the sprint here last year, finished in third placed less than half a tenth from his teammate.
Red Bull and Mercedes, uphill weekend?
Red Bull, however, did not shine like last year. Max Verstappen, fresh from winning the drivers' championship, placed himself in 11th position. Both he and Perez they had some difficulty with the traffic on the track and the evolution of the conditions. The Mexican driver, in particular, was penalised by traffic, closing the session in 18th position.
The Mercedes encountered some unexpected events, with George Russell who has complained about problems with the brakes and an overall performance not up to par Las Vegas GP closed with a victory. Perhaps due to the improvement in temperatures compared to last year, the team struggled to find the right set-up. Russell closed ateighth place and Hamilton al tenth: The Silver Arrows still seem far from the top positions.
Who did best in the midfield?
As for the battle for the “best of the rest" Four teams placed a driver in the top 10. tsunoda (fifth) finished ahead of Bottas e Stroll, with Albon (ninth) which separated the two Mercedes. Alpine (15th and last with Gasly and Ocon respectively) has spared their own trains soft tyres for qualifying of tomorrow: will their choice pay off?
Speaking of qualifying, starting in front is crucial like never before in Qatar. In the short history of this circuit, between sprints and Sunday races, the poleman then always finished in first place. One more reason to follow the sprint qualifications, scheduled for this evening at 18:30.
