Max Verstappen took his customary top spot on the timing charts at the Qatar GP. He will be looking to convert this strong showing into another 2023 Formula 1 pole position later on. He was closely followed by the two Ferrari drivers. McLaren and Aston Martin are much more closely matched at this track. Here are the highlights
Dust All Around
The Qatar GP track has been resurfaced. Moreover, it hasn’t seen much racing recently either. Therefore, the Formula 1 teams were expecting it to be dusty. But I don’t think anyone would have imagined just how dusty it would be.
In the F1TV Commentary, Jolyon Palmer called the phenomenon ‘Rooster tails of dust’. These rooster tails are generally seen in Formula 1 in wet conditions. However, the Qatar GP has given us its own version.
Also Read:
Sebastian Vettel says “You can never rule out” on Formula 1 return
Felipe Massa & legal team extend deadline for Formula 1 & FIA Response
Track Still Rubbering In
The Qatar GP track is slippery in two ways. Firstly, there is a lot of dust on the track. However, when the dust is removed, the new track surface is slippery as well. This is why we saw times tumble as we went along.
Max Verstappen completed his first lap in 1 minute 37 seconds. By the end of the session, he had shaved 10 seconds off that time. However, with the Qatar GP Qualifying to come, expect times to tumble further.
The Cleanest Will Prevail, Not The Fastest
During the practice session at the Qatar GP, multiple drivers went off-track several times on their push laps. Turn 4 proved especially difficult. There were times when teammates were separated by large margins because of not getting a clean lap in.
Therefore, the qualifying order at the Qatar GP will not be decided by simply who is the fastest. It might be decided by who keeps it on track at the right time. Meanwhile, with the track rubbering in, we might see something similar to a wet-to-dry qualifying, where the person who gets over the line last has the advantage.
Also Read: Qatar GP Qualifying Live: Max Verstappen looks to add another pole, McLaren close behind
Will Max Verstappen take pole at the Qatar GP? Or will the Ferrari drivers overtake him? And will McLaren spring a surprise? Keep following us to find out.
