F1 | Ferrari struggling, but it’s time for Sprint Qualifying in Qatar: our LIVE updates
It has been a challenging Friday for Ferrari so far, but the focus now shifts to the Sprint Qualifying in Qatar. Follow our LIVE commentary as the weekend intensifies. After the first and only free practice session, Losail enters the heart of the action, with the sprint format in use once again. Teams and drivers are back on track for the Sprint Qualifying, and we will bring you live updates throughout the session.
In the afternoon at Losail, drivers took to the track for FP1, the only practice session of the weekend, as the Qatar GP has been run with the sprint format since 2023. Ferrari did not enjoy a smooth session, and the data collected over this hour on track is not particularly encouraging for the rest of the weekend.
“I believe our car can be competitive here, and we need to be ready to seize the opportunities offered by the Sprint format,” said Lewis Hamilton, who had arrived on track optimistic ahead of the weekend. FP1, however, dampened the mood in the Ferrari garage, which faced several difficulties during the session.
The battle for the World Championship continues to intensify, especially following McLaren’s double disqualification, which has reopened the doors for Max Verstappen and Oscar Piastri. The Dutch driver finished FP1 in sixth place, trailing the McLaren one-two. Regarding race-run simulations, Max Verstappen started more conservatively compared to Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri, but lap by lap he closed in on his rivals’ pace.
The green light for the start of Sprint Qualifying will be at 18:30 Italian time. Join us at 18:20 for our LIVE coverage and analysis as the action unfolds in Qatar.
Can Ferrari find a miracle set-up change and fight their way up the order? Or will McLaren and Red Bull continue to dominate? Stay with us – it all starts right here.
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