Dutch F1 driver Max Verstappen of Red Bull Racing takes part in the first practice session of the Qatar Grand Prix Formula One race at the Losail Circuit. Hasan Bratic/dpa
Championship leader Max Verstappen set the pace in first practice Friday for the inaugural Qatar Formula One Grand Prix while title rival Lewis Hamilton had to be content with fourth. Red Bull's Verstappen clocked 1 minute 23.723 seconds on the 5.38-kilometre Losail International Circuit which in the past has only seen MotoGP racing. Pierre Gasly was second for sister team Alpha Tauri, more than four-tenth back, followed by the Mercedes duo of Valtteri Bottas and Hamilton. The seven-time world champion trailed by almost eight-tenth and complained about a lack of power. Verstappen tops the cham...
