Oscar Piastri will start from pole position in the sprint race in Qatar on Saturday. The Australian from McLaren records the fastest time at Lusail International Circuit in the dark, ahead of George Russell and Lando Norris. For Max Verstappen, the session ends disappointingly. After a detour through the gravel, the four-time world champion from Red Bull can only manage the sixth fastest time. A silver lining for Red Bull is that Verstappen’s teammate Tsunoda qualifies commendably: fifth.
For Oscar Piastri, his pole position is a boost after a few disappointing performances. “Nice to be back,” responds the current number two in the World Championship standings over the team radio.
Here is a quick overview of the sprint qualification for the Qatar GP.
SQ1: Verstappen Takes the Lead, Hamilton Disappoints
Max Verstappen drives out under the artificial lights of Qatar as the first to start Q1 of the sprint qualification on Friday evening, like everyone else on the medium compound. World Championship leader Lando Norris takes the lead after the first round, with a time of 1:21.261, two-tenths ahead of his McLaren teammate Oscar Piastri.
The track evolves quickly, so the pressure is on for the drivers in the final stages. Max Verstappen improves and tops the timesheet (1:21.172), surprisingly ahead of Fernando Alonso and Oscar Piastri. The biggest loser is Lewis Hamilton, who in his Ferrari can only manage a disappointing eighteenth time.
Eliminated: Stroll, Lawson, Hamilton, Gasly, Colapinto.
SQ2: Strong Performance from Tsunoda, Antonelli Escapes Elimination
In Q2, the McLarens of Norris and Piastri make a strong start. Their initial fast laps are significantly quicker than the rest of the field, including Verstappen. The latter voices some complaints over the radio about the set-up of his RB21, but nonetheless makes substantial improvements. The same can be said – almost surprisingly – for his teammate Yuki Tsunoda, who achieves the fifth fastest time.
It seems like Antonelli is about to be eliminated, but he escapes in the final seconds. Due to Isack Hadjar’s fast time being disqualified for exceeding track limits, the Italian Mercedes driver advances to Q3 as the last qualifier.
Eliminated: Hadjar, Bearman, Bortoleto, Nico Hulkenberg, Ocon.
SQ3: Unfortunate End for Verstappen
Max Verstappen veers off the track and into the gravel during his first fast run, forcing him to adjust his plans for the final part of the qualifying session. “The car is bouncing like crazy,” he complains over the radio. It appears he has also sustained minor damage to his floor.
Meanwhile, Oscar Piastri takes the lead. With his time of 1:20.055, he is the fastest, closely followed by Mercedes driver George Russell and McLaren teammate Lando Norris. Verstappen ultimately has to settle for the sixth fastest time.
The sprint race will start on Saturday at 13:00 UTC.
