Qatar GP Qualifying: Verstappen claims pole position, Piastri triumphs in sprint race | Motorsports Updates

On Saturday, Max Verstappen secured pole position for the Qatar Grand Prix while Oscar Piastri won the sprint race in qualifying. Lando Norris of McLaren ignored team orders to gift Piastri the win in the sprint race, with George Russell trailing behind for Mercedes. Norris explained that he was paying back Piastri for a similar gesture in Brazil. Piastri was surprised by Norris’ move but appreciated the teamwork within the McLaren team.
McLaren’s race tactics have been a topic of discussion throughout the season, with Norris and Piastri’s swap in Hungary being another example. In the sprint race, Norris started in pole and allowed Piastri to pass Russell for second, setting up a strategic team race. Russell expressed frustration with McLaren’s teamwork and late defensive moves from Piastri.
In the end, it was Verstappen who secured pole for Sunday’s race, narrowly beating out Russell. McLaren increased its lead over Ferrari in the constructors’ championship standings, with both of its drivers ahead of the Ferraris on the grid. With the championship decider coming down to the races in Qatar and Abu Dhabi, teams now have the chance to earn a maximum of 88 more points. Red Bull dropped to 67 points behind McLaren in the standings after Verstappen finished eighth in the sprint race.

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