Piastri Leads Qatar FP1 as McLaren Look Sharp in Final Sprint Weekend

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Oscar Piastri topped the only practice session ahead of the 2025 Qatar Grand Prix at the Lusail International Circuit, with McLaren teammate Lando Norris finishing just behind him in second place.

Piastri set the benchmark with a 1:20.924, edging Norris by only 0.058 seconds, confirming McLaren’s early strength in this sprint-format weekend where every lap matters.

Fernando Alonso secured third place with an impressive showing, hinting that he and his team may become serious challengers once sprint qualifying begins.

Championship contender Max Verstappen faced a more difficult session, ending FP1 in sixth as Red Bull focused on setup evaluation rather than outright pace. With only one practice session before competitive action begins, teams must make quick and accurate decisions. Any misstep could affect both the sprint and the main Grand Prix.

McLaren leave FP1 with clear momentum, but with Alonso looking competitive and Red Bull known for rapid overnight improvements, the battle is far from settled. All eyes now shift to sprint qualifying under the Lusail lights, where the grid for the weekend’s first points-scoring session will be decided.