Qatar Grand Prix – Free Practice 1: Verstappen starts the weekend well

For the very first time, Formula 1 discovered the Losail track. A 5.380 km long layout with 16 turns and only one real straight line. It was interesting to see how the teams and drivers would adapt to this circuit. It is worth noting that this track is not new as MotoGP holds a Grand Prix race in this layout with its many turns every year.

Under intense heat and on a dusty track, the drivers could finally hit the track. Eager to learn the circuit, they did not hesitate to complete a few laps. After ten minutes, Max Verstappen set the fastest time in 1:25.669. Although the track had only one straight line, a few corners were taken very quickly. As the drivers sought to push the limits of the track, some could be surprised by the corners and go off beyond the curbs, like Lando Norris who lost some parts of the underbody of his car. It is worth noting that the hard tires were performing quite well on this track.

The times are coming down significantly as the drivers start to get used to the new surroundings

Max Verstappen tops the leaderboard so far in FP1 with a 1:24.855 🚀#QatarGP 🇶🇦 #F1 pic.twitter.com/eEGiUI0XC6

— Formula 1 (@F1) November 19, 2021

Fernando Alonso and Lance Stroll were experiencing some issues with their single-seaters. As for the latter, the Canadian saw his session end after thirty minutes. His car had a hydraulic problem or a brake issue. A tough end to the season for Stroll and Aston Martin. Fortunately for the driver, there are two more sessions to get to know the track. While the Mercedes were trying their best to keep up with the pace of the championship leader, Verstappen continued to push his tires to the limit and set a new record with a time of 1:23.723.

Dust and sparks with Pierre in FP1 👀#QatarGP 🇶🇦 #F1 pic.twitter.com/oWcIp7di6I

— Formula 1 (@F1) November 19, 2021

During the last ten minutes, the single-seaters were experiencing mechanical issues. Whether it was on the side of the Mercedes or the Aston Martin of Sebastian Vettel, the mechanics had adjustments to make. Indeed, the rumble strips were damaging certain parts of the cars, especially at the front wing and the underbody. As the session was coming to an end, Pierre Gasly passed the Mercedes while staying very close to his former teammate from Red Bull. A first session marked by numerous mistakes. The podium of this first session: Verstappen, Gasly and Bottas.

The ranking of the first session