Gasly Leads Practice at Saudi GP
As the 2025 Formula 1 season unfolds, attention shifts to the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix where Alpine’s Pierre Gasly showcased his speed during the opening practice session at the Jeddah Corniche Circuit.
Practice Session Highlights
In an impressive showing, Gasly clocked a time of 1:29.239, narrowly edging out McLaren’s Lando Norris by just 0.007 seconds. Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc secured the third fastest time, trailing Gasly by 0.070 seconds. Following closely were Oscar Piastri and Alex Albon, rounding out the top five.
Close Competition
The lead transferred between the teams with the top four drivers finishing within a mere 0.102 seconds of each other, while Albon’s performance came in roughly two and a half tenths behind the leader. The competitive edge at this stage sets the tone for an engaging race weekend.
Top Performers
Mercedes driver George Russell claimed the sixth spot, with Carlos Sainz and Lewis Hamilton of Ferrari close behind. The Red Bull duo of Max Verstappen and Yuki Tsunoda completed the top ten leaderboard, indicating a diverse lineup of capable racers.
Looking Ahead
With practice now complete, teams will focus on strategy and adjustments for the upcoming race. Gasly’s top performance hints at Alpine’s potential, while other teams will undoubtedly aim to enhance their setups in response.
Strategic Changes Required
As preparations continue, teams like McLaren and Ferrari are making significant modifications to their vehicle setups, particularly focusing on aerodynamic efficiency to better tackle the distinctive challenges of the Jeddah circuit.
