Charles Leclerc was fastest ahead of Lando Norris ahead of the Qatar Grand Prix sprint qualifying.
Ferrari were flying in the only practice session of a momentous constructors’ championship weekend, with Leclerc beating Norris by 0.425s, with Oscar Piastre third and Carlos Sainz fourth.
Ferrari trail McLaren by 24 points in the standings with two events to go and have made a successful start at the Lusail International Circuit.
Newly-crowned four-time world champion Max Verstappen was only 11th after a jump in the soft race, leaving him behind Lewis Hamilton in 10th and George Russell in eighth, who were more than a second off Leclerc’s best time.
Mercedes expected to be strong for the second weekend in a row after their surprise one-two last time out in Las Vegas, but Hamilton and Russell looked utterly lacking in speed in the high-speed corners.
Sprint qualifying will take place later on Friday at 17:30. live on Sky Sports F1 and Sky Sports Main Event.
Please use the Chrome browser for a more accessible video player
Lewis Hamilton says he feels very proud that his ‘Diversity and Equality’ proposal for 2021 has been accepted by the FIA and all 10 Formula 1 teams.
Ferrari and McLaren have entered a great battle
On paper the track layout should suit McLaren as they have been the benchmark for faster laps throughout 2024 and there are plenty of them at the Lusail International Circuit.
Ferrari were quick out of the blocks despite being first and second in a tight race, more than six-tenths ahead of Norris, who was third in the middle.
Leclerc and Sainz highlighted their blistering pace on the soft tyres, with both drivers setting their best laps on the fastest rubber on their second lap.
Please use the Chrome browser for a more accessible video player
Ferrari manager Charles Leclerc says he has a good understanding with team-mate Carlos Sainz despite tensions between them at the Las Vegas GP as they seek to win the constructors’ championship.
However, McLaren are traditionally behind in practice, so it could be a close battle for pole later in Sprint qualifying between the two teams fighting for the constructors’ championship.
Red Bull trail McLaren by 53 points, so need to be 45 points off the leaders after Sunday to stay in mathematical contention, but Verstappen’s 1.260s gap to Leclerc in practice suggests it could be a tough week Milton For Keynes: the team.
Sky Sports F1 live Qatar GP schedule
Friday November 29
14.55: Second session of the F1 Academy
16.05: F2 qualifying
17:00. Qatar GP Sprint Qualifying (Qualifying starts at 17:30)*
Saturday, November 30
12.10: F1 Academy qualifying round
13:00 Qatar GP Sprint Rally
14:00 Qatar GP SPRINT
15.30: Ted’s sprint notebook
16:00: F2 Sprint race
17.15. Qatar GP qualifying session
18:00 QATAR GP QUALIFYING
20:00: F1 Academy: First race
20.45: Ted’s qualifying notebook
Sunday December 1
10.55: Second F1 Academy race
12.15: F2 feature race
14.30. Grand Prix Sunday. Qatar GP Rally
16:00 Qatar Grand Prix
18:00. Checkered flag. Qatar GP reaction
19:00: Ted’s notebook
*also live on Sky Sports Main Event
Formula 1’s season-ending triple whammy continues this weekend with the Qatar Grand Prix, live on Sky Sports F1. Stream the last two F1 races and more with a NOW Sports Month membership. no contract, cancel anytime
