Oscar Piastri secured pole position for the 2025 Qatar Grand Prix sprint race, marking his first pole in three months at the Lusail International Circuit.
The result tightens the battle for the Drivers’ Championship, which remains wide open despite McLaren having secured the Constructors’ title.
Piastri, who is tied on points with reigning champion Max Verstappen, trails teammate and standings leader Lando Norris by 24 points.
Verstappen had a difficult session, running wide into the gravel and damaging his car, leaving him to start sixth. Norris also slipped up on his final lap and will line up third.
Norris could clinch the title this weekend if he outscores both rivals; otherwise, the fight will go to the final round in Abu Dhabi. Fernando Alonso was a surprise performer, taking fourth, while Lewis Hamilton was knocked out in Q1 and will start 18th.
