This weekend's Qatar Grand Prix forms the third and final part of the triple-header in the business part of the 2021 F1 season. Formula 1 races this weekend at the Losail International Circuit. We start the weekend with FP1. This first free practice hour gives the drivers the opportunity to explore this new track and get some data. You can follow this first free practice with GPblog's live blog.
LIVEBLOG | First free practice for the 2021 Qatar Grand Prix
It is the first time that Formula 1 will race in Qatar. After much speculation as to who would fill the last gap in the calendar, the decision was finally made. The Qatar GP is the replacement for Australia, which was previously scheduled for this weekend but was cancelled by COVID-19. For most drivers on the current grid, the Losail International Circuit is a completely new circuit. So it will be interesting to see how fast the drivers can find their way here.
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A heated battle
After last weekend's Grand Prix, the tensions regarding the championship battle between Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton have only increased. In Brazil, we saw the two drivers narrowly avoid a crash in a battle for first place. The FIA decided not to intervene, but Mercedes filed a complaint with the organisation to penalise Verstappen. This shows that both teams are doing everything possible to win this championship. This weekend the tension is high again and both drivers will not give each other an inch.
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The first free practice can already give an indication of the speed differences for the coming sessions. It will therefore be very exciting to see who will be the quickest.