F1: Oscar Piastri Pips Lando Norris To Qatar Grand Prix Pole, Max Verstappen Third

F1: Oscar Piastri Pips Lando Norris To Qatar Grand Prix Pole, Max Verstappen Third

Oscar Piastri secured pole position for the penultimate race of the Formula One season by narrowly beating his team-mate and title contender, Lando Norris, as the clock ran out in Saturday's qualifying for the Qatar Grand Prix.

Earlier in the day, Piastri reduced Norris's lead in the championship to 22 points by winning the sprint race.

Red Bull's Max Verstappen, the only other driver still in contention for the title, qualified third. The defending champion trails Norris by 25 points.

George Russell placed fourth in his Mercedes.

Norris initially led the final qualifying session, but it was interrupted when Carlos Sainz exited the pits with plastic wrapping around one of his Williams tyres, which then peeled off in a corner.

Upon the restart, drivers had time for a flying lap, but Norris aborted his attempt after a poor start.

“I just had a bit of understeer and was going to go off so I had to abort," said Norris. “Which was a shame, but it's the way that it is."

Piastri capitalised on the opportunity.

“That was mega," the Australian exclaimed over the radio.

The fastest qualifier has won all three previous Qatar Grands Prix, although in 2024, Max Verstappen, after incurring a penalty in Q3 and being demoted to second on the grid, still managed to win.

Norris maintained hope.

“You never know. The first couple of laps are always opportunities for everyone but after there I think it's probably going to be pretty straightforward for everyone too," he said.

Piastri, needing to finish ahead of Norris to extend the title race, expressed his anticipation.

“It will be a tough race. Hard work but incredibly fun," he said.

Earlier, seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton continued to struggle, clocking the 18th fastest time in his Ferrari during the 20-car first qualifying session and failing to advance. It marked his fifth consecutive early exit in qualifying.

(With inputs from Agencies)

Source: News18
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