Piastri marks hat-trick of Qatar sprint wins to trim Norris’ lead

Doha, Qatar: With the spotlight fixed on championship leader Lando Norris and a revived Max Verstappen ahead of the Qatar Grand Prix, Oscar Piastri had slipped somewhat out of the conversation following a recent dip in form. But at Lusail International Circuit, the Australian reminded everyone why he remains a serious title contender.

Piastri is delivering one of his sharpest weekends of the season. After topping free practice and securing sprint pole, the 24-year-old led the 19-lap sprint from start to finish, claiming his third consecutive Qatar sprint win under the lights.

The victory cut Norris’ lead to 22 points, breathing new life into Piastri’s bid for a maiden drivers’ crown.

His win was never under threat, finishing 4.951 seconds ahead of Mercedes’ George Russell, with Norris another 1.3 seconds back in third. Four-time champion Verstappen, unable to match McLaren’s pace, came fourth and now trails Norris by 25 points.McLaren’s Australian driver Oscar Piastri and McLaren’s British driver Lando Norris drive during the sprint race.  

Further down, Yuki Tsunoda and Kimi Antonelli – both handed five-second penalties for exceeding track limits – finished fifth and sixth. Fernando Alonso ended seventh for Aston Martin, while Carlos Sainz claimed the final point in eighth for Williams.

Piastri’s win was his first since the Dutch Grand Prix in August, a result that had once given him a commanding lead. Since then, only a podium in Italy had interrupted a lean run. He credited the characteristics of the Lusail track for helping him rediscover his rhythm.

“We’re having a good weekend so far. Everything went smoothly in the short race, so I’m very happy. I just need to keep going like this,” said Piastri.

“This circuit has higher speeds and more grip. I’ve always enjoyed it here, and I think the past few weekends were more about things going wrong rather than lacking pace.”

Norris, who can clinch the world title with a victory in today’s race, said he kept his focus ahead.

“I never saw Max, just George ahead. I wasn’t looking behind. It felt like a lot of pushing, and it will be a tough race tomorrow,” he said.

Verstappen tried to challenge Norris but soon dropped back, complaining of bouncing issues in his Red Bull.

Ferrari endured another difficult outing, with Charles Leclerc slipping to 13th after losing ground early. Lewis Hamilton continued his struggles, finishing 17th in another disappointing weekend.

The sprint unfolded in a lively atmosphere, with Lusail’s grandstands packed and the roar of the cars echoing around the circuit.

“We are pleased to see such a strong and enthusiastic turnout at Lusail International Circuit for Sprint Saturday,” said Abdulaziz Ali Al Mohannadi, CEO of Lusail International Circuit.

“This event reflects the ambitions of Qatar National Vision 2030, uniting passionate fans from around the world while proudly showcasing Qatar’s rich culture and hospitality.”

Piastri caps fine night with Qatar GP pole

Later, Piastri secured pole position for the Qatar Grand Prix after edging title rival Norris.

“We didn’t expect it to be so good, but Q3 was really good on the new tyres, so very happy,” he said.

“It will be pretty tough, with the two-stops we’re going to be pushing pretty hard the whole time. I don’t think it’s going to be as hot as a couple of years ago, so hopefully it’s not as bad as that.”

Norris added: “Oscar did a good lap and drove very well all weekend. Nothing to complain about, just didn’t do the lap, and still P2 for tomorrow.”

Russell qualified third while Verstappen came fourth for the 57-lap race.

“I think this qualifying was a little bit better even though we were still quite far off. At least we are P3 and starting on the second row, it creates better opportunities because we know it’s quite hard to pass around here,” said Verstappen.

Hamilton struggled again, posting the 18th fastest time and failing to advance from the first qualifying session. It was his fifth straight early exit in qualifying.