Gasly Stuns Rivals in Jeddah FP1 with Surprise Top‑Time

Pierre Gasly’s blistering opening FP1 lap at Jeddah shocked rivals, as McLaren and Leclerc fought hard, Williams showing surprising straight‑line race pace.

The fifth race weekend of the Formula 1 season kicked off in Jeddah with the first practice session for the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix.

While FP1 doesn’t often set the tone for the rest of the weekend, it’s still crucial for teams and drivers to adapt to the tricky and high-speed Corniche Circuit.

Featuring 27 turns, tight barriers, and speeds rivaling those of Monza, Jeddah offers a tough challenge. With such a demanding track layout, every driver knows that every lap matters, and mistakes can quickly lead to disaster.

As the drivers took to the track under the warm 28°C air (but a blistering 50°C on the tarmac), upgrades flooded the paddock.

McLaren rolled out a revised diffuser and rear brake ducts; Ferrari introduced a new rear wing and beam wing; Red Bull brought an updated beam wing and a reworked engine cover for better cooling; while teams like Aston Martin, Haas, and Sauber tested various tweaks for improved performance.

On track, it was Pierre Gasly who stunned everyone. With a 1:29.239 lap, Gasly finished at the top, ahead of Lando Norris, who had previously set a quick 1:29.980. Verstappen and Leclerc rounded out the top five, while rookie drivers like Andrea Kimi Antonelli and Jack Doohan made noticeable strides.

Oscar Piastri, on medium tyres, initially looked strong, while George Russell also posted competitive times. However, despite some trackside drama, including a few light brushes with the barriers, the drivers continued pushing for better times. Carlos Sainz impressed with a solid third-place finish, showcasing the potential of his Ferrari on the hard tyres.

Notably, it was the Williams of Alex Albon and Nicholas Latifi showing impressive pace. Albon finished in P6, while Sainz’s excellent hard-tyre performance saw him place in the top five. Despite a few issues, including a water leak in Piastri’s helmet, the session ended with plenty of excitement and anticipation.

At the end of FP1, Gasly emerged at the top, followed by Norris, Leclerc, and Piastri. With Williams showing promising performance and McLaren looking fast, the next sessions will be crucial to solidifying those gains and adjusting to Jeddah’s fast and unforgiving nature.

As the drivers and teams prepare for the next round of practice, the stage is set for a thrilling weekend ahead.

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Gasly Stuns Rivals in Jeddah FP1 with Surprise Top‑Time Gasly Stuns Rivals in Jeddah FP1 with Surprise Top‑Time