F1 Qatar GP 2023 Results Thursday Practice Day: Winner, Losers, And More

In the prediction, The Lusail International Circuit roared to life as Formula One teams and drivers descended upon Qatar for the 2023 Qatar Grand Prix.

The Thursday practice day set the stage for what promises to be a thrilling weekend of racing. As the teams fine-tuned their cars and drivers familiarised themselves with the circuit, here’s a rundown of the winners, losers, and notable highlights from the practice sessions. 

Winners: Red Bull Racing Honda

Red Bull Racing Honda once again asserted its dominance during Thursday’s practice sessions. The team has been on a relentless pursuit of both drivers’ and constructors’ championships in 2023, and their performance in Qatar signals their intentions clearly. Max Verstappen, the current championship leader, topped the time sheets, showcasing Red Bull’s speed and adaptability on the Lusail Circuit. 

Losers: Mercedes-AMG

Petronas Formula One Team The struggles for the Mercedes-AMG Petronas Formula One team continued in Qatar. Lewis Hamilton, a seven-time world champion, faced a challenging Thursday practice day. He struggled with setup and grip issues, highlighting the ongoing battle Mercedes faces to match the pace of their Red Bull rivals. With the championship slipping away, Mercedes has a steep hill to climb to turn their fortunes around. 

Winners: Charles Leclerc and Ferrari 

Ferrari emerged as a strong contender during the Thursday practice sessions, with Charles Leclerc putting in impressive lap times. Leclerc, a young talent often seen as the future of Formula One, showcased Ferrari’s potential to challenge Red Bull’s supremacy. If Ferrari can maintain this pace, they might play a pivotal role in the championship battle. 

Losers: McLaren 

McLaren had a challenging day on the track during Thursday’s practice sessions. Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri, usually strong performers, struggled to find the right balance and pace. The team faces an uphill battle to compete with the top contenders this weekend. However, in Formula One, fortunes can change rapidly, and McLaren will be working hard to make improvements before the race. 

Winners: Lusail International Circuit 

The Lusail International Circuit itself emerged as a winner on Thursday. The state-of-the-art facility, with its impressive lighting system, proved to be an ideal host for Formula One. The circuit’s layout, featuring long straights and a mix of technical corners, provided ample opportunities for overtaking and exciting racing action. Formula One’s return to Qatar is off to a promising start, thanks to the fantastic Lusail Circuit.   

Winners: fans and spectators 

Formula One fans and spectators were the ultimate winners on Thursday. The return of the sport to Qatar brought a sense of excitement and anticipation. The Lusail International Circuit’s stunning visuals, combined with the roaring engines of Formula One cars under the floodlights, created a captivating spectacle. The fans in attendance and those watching from around the world are in for a treat this weekend.The road ahead As Thursday’s practice day drew to a close, the Formula One paddock was buzzing with anticipation. The battle for supremacy between Red Bull and Mercedes continued, while other teams like Ferrari looked poised to capitalise on any opportunity. 

The 2023 Qatar Grand Prix promises to be a thrilling affair, with championship implications hanging in the balance. Max Verstappen’s quest for his third Drivers’ Championship, Lewis Hamilton’s determination to stage a comeback, and the fierce competition among teams make this race one to watch. 

Friday’s practice sessions and qualifying will provide further insights into each team’s pace and strategy. As the sun sets on the Lusail International Circuit, Formula One fans worldwide eagerly await the spectacle that the Qatar Grand Prix is set to deliver. 

Will Red Bull Racing Honda maintain their dominance, or can the Mercedes-AMG Petronas Formula One Team mount a resurgence? The answers lie ahead as the drama of the 2023 Qatar Grand Prix unfolds and fans buckle up for a weekend of high-speed thrills and intense racing action.