Saturday 29 November 2025 19:57, UK
Oscar Piastri produced a stunning late lap to claim pole position for the Qatar Grand Prix after team-mate Lando Norris abandoned his final attempt in qualifying.
The McLaren pair had looked strong throughout the session, but Norris elected not to complete his closing run, leaving Piastri with a clear track to set the quickest time in Q3. The result hands McLaren a major boost heading into the race, with Piastri lining up at the front of the grid.
Piastri’s performance under pressure highlighted his growing maturity, while Norris’s aborted lap will raise questions about the timing and strategy behind the decision. The outcome leaves the team with the potential for a strong one-two start, depending on race-day execution and the strategies of their rivals.
Teams and drivers will now turn focus to final set-up tweaks and tyre choices before the race. The Qatar result reshuffles the starting order and adds fresh intrigue to what promises to be an unpredictable weekend.