Lando Norris, right, will have to finish ahead of Piastri on Sunday win the F1 drivers' title in Qatar

Title Hopeful Norris Beaten to Qatar Pole by Piastri

Oscar Piastri outqualified McLaren teammate and title rival Lando Norris to claim pole position for the crucial Qatar Grand Prix, potentially forcing the championship battle to continue until Abu Dhabi.

The Australian rookie clocked a 0.108-second advantage over Norris after the Briton aborted his final lap due to understeer at Turn Two, despite having led after the initial runs.

Title Race on the Line

With Max Verstappen qualifying third in his Red Bull, all three title contenders now face a high-stakes showdown under the lights in Lusail.

Norris becomes champion if he wins or finishes ahead of both Piastri and Verstappen.
Verstappen, currently trailing in the standings, must beat Norris to remain in the hunt.

Norris admitted his mistake:

“I just got a bit of understeer and was going off, so I had to abort.

Oscar did a good job. Nothing to complain about—just didn’t do the lap. All to play for tomorrow.”

Piastri: “In a Good Position”

Piastri credited the team and his rhythm all weekend:

“Everything felt great all weekend. The team did a great job.

Tonight we will review some things and see what I can do better. It’s a long race.”

Verstappen Eyes Turn One Attack

Although Red Bull improved Verstappen’s car after sprint struggles, the Dutchman still finished 0.264s off pole and acknowledged the challenge ahead:

“P3 creates better opportunities because it’s hard to pass here. We have to go for it.”

Hamilton’s Nightmare Weekend

Meanwhile, Lewis Hamilton endured one of his worst weekends of the season, qualifying 18th for both the sprint and the Grand Prix.

“I don’t really have a message right now. I’m sorry,” he said emotionally.

“But I’m incredibly grateful for the support I’ve had all year.”

Full Top 10 Grid – Qatar Grand Prix

Oscar Piastri – McLaren
Lando Norris – McLaren
Max Verstappen – Red Bull
George Russell – Mercedes
Kimi Antonelli – Mercedes
Isack Hadjar – Racing Bulls
Carlos Sainz – Williams
Fernando Alonso – Aston Martin
Pierre Gasly – Alpine
Charles Leclerc – Ferrari

Leclerc survived a dramatic spin at Turn 15 but made Q3, unlike Hamilton.

Analysis

With overtaking limited in Qatar and track position vital, Piastri’s pole could be season-defining. Norris must recover mentally to deliver under pressure, while Verstappen still lurks as a dangerous wildcard.

The title battle goes on—and Sunday promises fireworks.