Leclerc Tops Practice Session at Qatar GP

Charles Leclerc of Ferrari delivered a standout performance in Free Practice 1 for the 2024 Qatar Grand Prix, clocking the fastest time at 1:21.953s. He was closely followed by McLaren's Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri, who finished second and third with times of 1:22.378s and 1:22.425s, respectively. The session revealed a strong showing from Ferrari, with Carlos Sainz finishing fourth and Yuki Tsunoda of Red Bull taking fifth, while reigning champion Max Verstappen only managed to place 11th after a mishap on his lap.

The practice session, conducted under cooler conditions at the Losail International Circuit, highlighted the competitive atmosphere leading up to the Sprint qualifying. Leclerc's impressive run on both hard and soft tires showcased Ferrari's strategy and speed, overcoming expectations and narrowing the point gap to McLaren in the Constructors’ Championship, which currently stands at 24 points. As the teams prepare for the upcoming Sprint qualifying, the performances set an intriguing tone for the remainder of the weekend’s racing activities.