F1 LIVE | FP1 for the Qatar Grand Prix
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The Qatar Grand Prix weekend has started with the first free practice session. The F1 teams and drivers will only get one practice session this weekend because Formula 1 haved opted for the sprint format at Losail International Circuit. After 30 minutes, Fernando Alonso sits at the top of the time sheets. The bottom five drivers are all debutants at this circuit.
F1 LIVE | FP1: Qatar Grand Prix
The first free practice session in Qatar is expected to be sandy. Because of where the track is located, a lot of sand could be present on the track. As the circuit cleans up, expect lap times to tumble. This is arguably one of the most important practice sessions of the year because it's the first time the cars with the current set of regulations have visted and qualifying is only a matter of hours away.
The Qatar Grand Prix
The Qatar Grand Prix is one of the newer races added to the Formula 1 Calendar. The 2021 Grand Prix is the only race we’ve had around the Losail International Circuit, with the motorcycle circuit throwing up a superb race in its debut. Lewis Hamilton was victorious in 2021, as he was able to convert his pole position into a race victory. The race is one of the few night races, as Losail added outdoor lighting in 2007, allowing F1 to compete under the Sunday night lights.
Red Bull Racing are the favourites to win this weekend. They have won all but one race in the 2023 Formula 1 season, and it doesn't seem like Qatar will be another Singapore. The high speed corners could also favour McLaren. Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri have been pushing for the podium places in recent races whilst Ferrari and Carlos Sainz have also been contenders. George Russell, Lewis Hamilton and Mercedes will also be trying to spoil the Red Bull party. Sergio Perez hopes to score points to help him secure P2 in the Drivers Championship.
Verstappen's world championship Qatar permuations
- Perez finishes first in the sprint race, Verstappen finishes at least sixth
- Perez finishes second in the sprint race, Verstappen finishes at least seventh
- Perez finishes third in the sprint race, Verstappen finishes at least eighth
- Perez finishes fourth or lower in the sprint race
If Verstappen does not succeed in Qatar on Saturday, there will be another chance on Sunday. After Sunday there are still 146 points to be awarded. So if Perez scores enough points on Saturday to keep the title fight alive, it will still be a hell of a job to postpone Verstappen's title until after the United States Grand Prix at COTA.