On Verge of Formula 1 Title, Verstappen’s Fastest in Practice for Qatar Grand Prix

Dutch Formula One driver Max Verstappen of Red Bull Racing in action during the practice session for the Formula 1 Qatar Grand Prix in Lusail, Qatar, 06 October 2023. (EPA)
Dutch Formula One driver Max Verstappen of Red Bull Racing in action during the practice session for the Formula 1 Qatar Grand Prix in Lusail, Qatar, 06 October 2023. (EPA)
TT
20

On Verge of Formula 1 Title, Verstappen’s Fastest in Practice for Qatar Grand Prix

Dutch Formula One driver Max Verstappen of Red Bull Racing in action during the practice session for the Formula 1 Qatar Grand Prix in Lusail, Qatar, 06 October 2023. (EPA)
Dutch Formula One driver Max Verstappen of Red Bull Racing in action during the practice session for the Formula 1 Qatar Grand Prix in Lusail, Qatar, 06 October 2023. (EPA)

Max Verstappen was fastest on Friday in the only practice session ahead of qualifying for the Qatar Grand Prix, a day before he can secure his third consecutive Formula One title.

The Red Bull driver was .334 seconds faster than Carlos Sainz Jr. and .481 seconds faster than the other Ferrari of Charles Leclerc.

Verstappen's teammate Sergio Perez, the only driver still with a mathematical chance of challenging him for the title, was fifth fastest and .588 off the pace.

The dust and sand on the circuit made it hard to find grip. “It's so slippery,” Verstappen told his team over the radio.

Qualifying is later on Friday. Verstappen can secure the title with at least a sixth-place finish in the sprint race on Saturday. That contest will have its own separate qualifying session earlier the same day.



UEFA Fines Real Madrid 30,000 Euros for Discriminatory Behavior

Real Madrid head coach Carlo Ancelotti attends a press conference after a training session of the team in Madrid, Spain, 28 February 2025, on the eve of their LaLiga match against Betis. EPA/FERNANDO VILLAR
Real Madrid head coach Carlo Ancelotti attends a press conference after a training session of the team in Madrid, Spain, 28 February 2025, on the eve of their LaLiga match against Betis. EPA/FERNANDO VILLAR
TT
20

UEFA Fines Real Madrid 30,000 Euros for Discriminatory Behavior

Real Madrid head coach Carlo Ancelotti attends a press conference after a training session of the team in Madrid, Spain, 28 February 2025, on the eve of their LaLiga match against Betis. EPA/FERNANDO VILLAR
Real Madrid head coach Carlo Ancelotti attends a press conference after a training session of the team in Madrid, Spain, 28 February 2025, on the eve of their LaLiga match against Betis. EPA/FERNANDO VILLAR

UEFA has fined Real Madrid 30,000 euros ($31,200) for unspecified discriminatory behavior apparently by fans during its recent Champions League game against Manchester City.

Madrid was also handed a suspended partial closure of the stadium on Friday.
UEFA said the Spanish club was on a two-year probation period during which 500 seats could be closed for a coming game.

It is unclear what behavior was being sanctioned by UEFA during the match at Santiago Bernabeu Stadium on Feb. 19. Madrid won 3-1 to complete a 6-3 aggregate score in their knockout round playoff.