F1 Results Today: Piastri Strikes Early as Alonso Produces Surprise in Qatar Grand Prix Weekend Opener
The penultimate round of the 2025 Formula 1 season kicked off with an intriguing opening act in Qatar, as Oscar Piastri sent an early statement of intent by topping the only practice session of the weekend. The Australian edged out McLaren teammate and championship leader Lando Norris in FP1, setting the tone for what promises to be a dramatic sprint weekend at the Lusail International Circuit.
With FP1 serving as the sole practice opportunity before the competitive sessions begin later on Friday, teams and drivers had just one hour to fine-tune setups, gather tyre data, and familiarise themselves with track conditions that changed rapidly due to inconsistent winds. Despite the pressure, the opening session ran smoothly without interruptions, allowing the entire grid to maximise limited track time.
Piastri Takes Control as Norris Chases Title Glory
Oscar Piastri delivered the standout performance of the session, clocking a 1:20.924 to lead the timesheets. His lap was only 0.058 seconds quicker than teammate Norris, but the result was significant: it showed the McLaren driver is not backing down, even though Norris is on the brink of securing his maiden Formula 1 world title.
For Norris, the Qatar weekend carries enormous championship implications. With only two races remaining, the Briton needs to outscore both Piastri and Max Verstappen by at least two points across the sprint and main race combined. If he manages it, the 2025 Drivers’ Championship would be his. FP1 may have belonged to Piastri, but all eyes remain on Norris as he inches closer to a career-defining moment.
Both McLaren drivers, however, faced challenges during the session. The strong and unpredictable wind gusts across the circuit pushed several cars wide, including those of Norris and Piastri. The blustery conditions affected braking points, corner stability, and overall grip, making consistency difficult. Despite this, McLaren still emerged as the strongest team in the session.
Alonso and Sainz Deliver Unexpected Early Pace
Perhaps the biggest surprise was the appearance of Fernando Alonso and Carlos Sainz inside the top four. Alonso, piloting his Aston Martin, set a lap just 0.386s behind Piastri, demonstrating that the team may have found a setup window that works well in Qatar. The veteran Spaniard looked comfortable on track, extracting strong single-lap performance despite the challenging winds.
Carlos Sainz also impressed, placing his Williams in fourth. The Spaniard has been delivering solid performances throughout the season, but a top-four slot in the first session of a sprint weekend hints that Williams may be genuine contenders in the midfield battle once again.
Close behind was rookie Isack Hadjar in the Racing Bulls, continuing to show his growing confidence and talent. His fifth-place finish ahead of reigning champion Max Verstappen added another twist to the mix.
Verstappen and Hamilton Struggle in Opening Conditions
Max Verstappen, who remains mathematically in the title fight, could only manage sixth in FP1. His Red Bull lacked the sharpness needed to challenge McLaren in the early session, though it is unclear whether Verstappen was running a different programme or simply feeling the effects of the unpredictably windy conditions.
Lewis Hamilton’s session was even more challenging. Driving for Ferrari, Hamilton finished 12th, almost a full second behind Piastri’s benchmark. Ferrari appeared to be struggling for grip, particularly in the middle sector, where tyre stability is crucial. Hamilton, who is eagerly searching for momentum in the closing stages of the season, will need significant overnight improvements ahead of sprint qualifying.
Midfield Scramble Intensifies
The rest of the field displayed a mix of promising pace and worrying inconsistency. Alex Albon put in a strong showing for Williams in seventh, closely followed by Charles Leclerc in eighth. Aston Martin’s Lance Stroll secured ninth place, just a thousandth of a second behind Leclerc, highlighting how close the midfield remains.
Mercedes newcomer Kimi Antonelli rounded out the top ten with a composed performance. The Italian rookie appears increasingly confident in the W15, handling the windy conditions with maturity beyond his years.
Lower down the order, Haas drivers Oliver Bearman and Esteban Ocon ended FP1 in 15th and 17th respectively, showing flashes of pace but lacking consistency. Alpine endured a difficult start, with Pierre Gasly and Franco Colapinto closing out the field in 18th and 20th.
FP1 Sets Up a Thrilling Sprint Weekend
With only one practice session available, the teams now head directly into sprint qualifying—meaning the data gathered in FP1 becomes even more crucial. McLaren looks strong, Alonso could be a wildcard, and the title battle remains tense as Norris edges closer to history.
The stage is set for a dramatic and unpredictable Qatar Grand Prix weekend.
