Piastri takes crucial Qatar pole as Norris is forced to abort final lap

The British driver made a mistake when he ran wide at the second corner, and was forced to abort, leaving Piastri the chance to usurp him at the top of the order.

ALL SMILES: McLaren driver Oscar Piastri celebrates pole position, with team mate Lando Norris (second) following qualifying at the Lusail International Circuit ahead of the Qatar Grand Prix on Sunday. Picture date: Saturday November 29, 2025.

Lando Norris failed to complete his last lap in qualifying for Sunday's crucial Qatar Grand Prix to allow championship rival Oscar Piastri to take pole position.

Norris, who will start alongside his McLaren team-mate for the penultimate round of the campaign in Doha, held a slender advantage heading into the decisive concluding laps.