McLaren’s Oscar Piastri takes Qatar sprint pole while title leader Lando Norris qualifies third, frustrated by overtaking challenges at Losail circuit.
DOHA: McLaren’s Lando Norris expressed clear disappointment after qualifying third for Saturday’s sprint race at the Qatar Grand Prix.
The championship leader watched as teammate Oscar Piastri secured pole position at the Losail International Circuit.
Norris leads Piastri and Red Bull’s Max Verstappen by 24 points in the drivers’ championship.
The Briton can clinch his first title this weekend if he outscores both rivals by two points.
“It’s impossible to overtake here, so I think I’m probably going to finish P3,” said a stony-faced Norris.
He added that passing George Russell’s Mercedes at the start represented his best opportunity.
Norris explained his qualifying lap was compromised by a tussle with Williams driver Alex Albon.
“I think the pace was there, I just made a mistake in the last corner,” he lamented.
The McLaren driver had taken pole and won both races during his dominant Sao Paulo weekend.
Asked about his sprint race prospects, Norris told Sky Sports F1 “I’d be stupid not to try and win.”
Meanwhile, Piastri smiled after ending a difficult seven-race winless streak dating to August’s Dutch Grand Prix.
The Australian had seen his championship lead of over 30 points transform into a 24-point deficit.
“It’s been a good day, which is nice for a change,” said Piastri.
He acknowledged a “pretty big moment” during his pole lap but credited his team for the car performance.
The sprint race winner earns eight valuable championship points.
Piastri added he’s “just happy with the result” while looking forward to Saturday’s action.
“Obviously it’s only sprint pole and a few points, but I’ll take whatever I can get,” he concluded. – AFP
