Max Verstappen was sixth fastest in the first and only practice session of the Qatar Grand Prix. Oscar Piastri was quickest ahead of McLaren team mate Lando Norris. Fernando Alonso (Aston Martin), Carlos Sainz (Williams) and Isack Hadjar (RB) completed the top five.

As it is a sprint weekend, FP1 is the only practice session for the teams and drivers. It means it is busy on track as soon as pitlane opens. Max is one of the first to clock a quick time and his first few flying laps keep him at the top of the timing sheets in the opening phase of the session.

As the lap times tumble, Max drops down the order behind the likes of George Russell (Mercedes), Sainz and Alex Albon (Williams). Twenty minutes into the session, the reigning champion is back on top with a 1:22.3.