Full results FP1 Qatar | Verstappen fastest, strong result from Honda

Max Verstappen left the rest of the field far behind in the first free practice session at the Losail International Circuit in Qatar. He did so with a lead of over four tenths, while Pierre Gasly surprised in the final stages of the session by putting his AlphaTauri in second place.

Only six drivers were able to get within a second of Verstappen. Gasly did that with a great second time, just ahead of Valtteri Bottas. Lewis Hamilton had to make do with a time god enough for fourth, almost eight tenths behind Verstappen. However, it remains to be seen whether Mercedes showed its real speed in the first practice session, as Hamilton was reportedly driving an older engine.

What is further noteworthy is that Honda seems to be doing particularly well. Yuki Tsunoda clocked the fifth fastest time, putting Honda in the top five with three drivers. Carlos Sainz completed the top six.