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Pierre Gasly Tops First Practice at Saudi Arabian Grand Prix
Pierre Gasly emerged as the unexpected frontrunner in the opening practice session for the Formula 1 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, clocking an impressive time of 1m29.239s in his Alpine. This performance caught many off guard, especially with McLaren expected to take the lead role this weekend.
McLaren’s Lando Norris was a close second, just 0.007 seconds behind, while his teammate Oscar Piastri secured the fourth spot. Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc claimed third place, highlighting the competitive nature of the session.
Piastri began the weekend on a strong note, posting an early fast lap. However, Norris, who had voiced concerns about his car’s driveability on the eve of the race, soon took charge before being surpassed by Gasly later in the session.
Despite feeling uncertain heading into this round of the championship, Norris managed to perform well. He acknowledged during a press conference that he had not fully resolved the issues plaguing his car, but his drive during practice showcased his resilience. He enters the Saudi Arabian GP with a narrow three-point lead in the championship standings.
Other familiar contenders were also present in the top positions, with George Russell from Mercedes and reigning champion Max Verstappen remaining competitive throughout the session. Russell initially led before the soft tires were fitted, allowing for quicker lap times later in the practice.
As soft tires came into play, Norris briefly took over the fastest lap before Gasly’s stellar lap brought him to the top of the timing sheets. The session also saw strong performances from the Williams team, with Alex Albon finishing in fifth, while Ferrari driver Carlos Sainz secured seventh, just behind Russell.
Lewis Hamilton struggled to keep pace, finishing in eighth, six-tenths behind Leclerc. Verstappen expressed concerns regarding his Red Bull’s handling, ultimately ending the session in ninth, while his teammate Yuki Tsunoda rounded out the top ten. Liam Lawson, who was recently reassigned, came in eleventh, closely trailing his replacement.
F1 Saudi Arabian GP – FP1 Results
The results of the first practice session set an intriguing tone for the rest of the weekend, hinting at a potentially unpredictable race ahead. The competitive landscape not only highlights individual performances but emphasizes the strategic dynamics among teams as they prepare for the challenges of the Jeddah Corniche Circuit.
Source
www.autosport.com