HIGHLIGHTS: Catch the action from FP1 in Qatar as Leclerc heads Norris and Piastri

Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc topped the timesheets in the weekend's sole practice session, leading the way from the McLaren pair of Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri as everyone pushed the limits while the sun set in Qatar.

The grid had just one hour to get used to the changes made around the Lusail International Circuit ahead of tonight’s Sprint Qualifying, with amended kerbs and added gravel traps placed throughout the track.

READ MORE: Leclerc leads Norris and Piastri during Qatar GP practice

Constructors’ championship contenders Ferrari and McLaren both looked rapid in the second half of the session, with Leclerc clocking the overall fastest lap of 1m 21.953s, getting the better of the McLaren duo by just under half a second.

It was an incident-free hour in rapidly cooling conditions, although a number of drivers were caught out by the track changes and battled to avoid the gravel, including Sergio Perez, Franco Colapinto and Pierre Gasly.

Click go on the video player above to catch up with first practice for the Qatar Grand Prix.

DISCOVER MORE...

‘I’ve let them down’ – Norris apologises to McLaren as he offers explanation over incident that led to stop/go penalty

Verstappen delighted with Qatar GP victory as he praises team after rollercoaster weekend

FACTS AND STATS: Bottas no longer last in driver table after Kick Sauber’s best race of ‘24

Pulling praised by mentor Powell for delivering F1 ACADEMY title in ‘make-or-break’ season

20 YEARS ON: The inside story of Lewis Hamilton’s first F1 test with McLaren