Record laps and packed grandstands mark a high-energy start to Qatar Grand Prix weekend

Qatar, Doha: Lusail International Circuit (LIC) set the tone for an electrifying weekend as the FORMULA 1 QATAR AIRWAYS QATAR GRAND PRIX 2025 commence...

Qatar, Doha: Lusail International Circuit (LIC) set the tone for an electrifying weekend as the FORMULA 1 QATAR AIRWAYS QATAR GRAND PRIX 2025 commenced on Friday, 28 November. With an action packed schedule featuring practice sessions, Sprint Qualifying, and multiple off track activities, the Family Friday atmosphere created a lively environment for fans of all ages, resulting in packed grandstands throughout the day. The interactive Fan Zone was buzzing with activations fully occupied as attendees explored various food stands, games, experiences, and merchandise, making it a vibrant and unforgettable day.

The day kicked off with the Porsche Carrera Cup Middle East’s first practice session with Seven X Seven's Taichi Watarai claiming pole position with a time of 1:58.969. Caleb Sumich of DHL Team secured second place, while Saudi Racing's Khaled Alahmadi demonstrated impressive pace for Saudi Racing, finishing third with a competitive 2:00.046, closely followed by Alexandra Vateva of Splendid Racing in fourth. Local Qatari driver Abdulla Al-Khelaifi, stepping up to the Pro category this season, also showed promise by claiming fifth place.

This was followed by the FIA Formula 2’s practice session, showcasing the next generation of racing talent. Leonardo Fornaroli of Invicta Racing set the pace with a time of 1:38.656, followed by Dino Beganovic (Hitech TGR) and Alexander Dunne from Rodin Motorsport completing the top three, clocking in at 1:39.258.

With the Sprint format returning, LIC hosted the weekend’s only Formula 1® practice session. This one hour session was crucial for both teams and drivers to gain maximum understanding. McLaren dominated the late soft tyre runs, with Oscar Piastri setting the benchmark at 1:20.924, over a second faster than last year’s FP1 top time of 1:21.953 and a mere 0.058s clear of team mate Lando Norris, while Fernando Alonso put Aston Martin in an impressive third (+0.386s). Rookie Isack Hadjar showed blinding pace to briefly lead the times and finish fifth for Visa Cash App Racing Bulls behind Williams’ Carlos Sainz.