Oscar Piastri takes Qatar Grand Prix sprint pole after Lando Norris error

Max Verstappen – the other driver in the three-way title battle – was beaten by his Red Bull team-mate and could qualify only sixth.

Oscar Piastri took pole position for the sprint race in Qatar. Picture: David Davies/PA

Lando Norris allowed Oscar Piastri to take pole position for Saturday’s crucial sprint race in Qatar after he made a mistake at the final corner.

Norris, who heads McLaren team-mate Piastri by 24 points heading into the concluding two rounds of the season, ran through the gravel, and will start third.