Oscar Piastri rediscovered his form to top the times ahead of McLaren team-mate and title favourite Lando Norris in Friday’s opening practice session at the Qatar Grand Prix.

The 24-year-old Australian, who led the championship for much of the season until he lost form and consistency, clocked a fastest lap in one minute and 20.924 seconds. Norris, who leads him and Max Verstappen by 24 points in the title race, was outpaced by 0.058 seconds in the final minutes.