Lando Norris takes pole position in Qatar GP as McLarens are in fine form. Ferraris finish 4th and 5th as the fight for the constructors' championship heats up with two races to go.
At the Lusail circuit, McLaren and Ferrari arrive with a common goal: the constructors' championship. With two races to go, the Sprint Qualifying of the Qatar GP represents the first step for both teams towards this goal. On this occasion, Lando Norris took pole position, with fellow Papaya driver Oscar Piastri in third, separated by George Russell in second. The Ferraris, despite a promising FP1, managed to qualify in 4th and 5th position respectively.
Q1: Perez disappoints again, Norris sets the pace
Using the medium tyre, as required by the regulations, during Q1 of the Sprint qualifying session of the Qatar GP, the McLarens, in particular the number 4 of Lando Norris, demonstrated that they wanted to play a leading role throughout the weekend, aiming with determination to consolidate their position in the constructors' championship. The Bristol driver set a competitive time of 1:21.356, followed by the number 55 Ferrari of Carlos Sainz and the Mercedes of George Russell, on a circuit that proved to be significantly faster than in 2023.
Another negative note for Sergio Pérez, 16th and eliminated, while Liam Lawson, 14th, seems to send a clear message to Red Bull with a view to 2025. Rounding out the eliminated players are: Ocon, Tsunoda, Zhou and Colapinto.
Q2: Lawson ranked for Q3
Again, Lando Norris set the best time with a 1:21.231, while attention also shifts to his teammate, Oscar Piastri. The Australian, despite finishing third, took a risk on his last flying lap and showed concerns via team radio about the state of the floor of his car.
Second place went to George Russell again, who appears to be keeping up the momentum after his victory in Las Vegas. Carlos Sainz and Charles Leclerc finished 5th and 6th respectively.
The surprise of the second Sprint Qualifying session of the Qatar GP was undoubtedly Liam Lawson, who managed to qualify for Q3. The ones eliminated at this stage were Alonso, Albon, Bottas, Stroll and Magnussen.
Q3: Norris on pole, Russell joins the papayas
With a time of 1: 21.012, Lando Norris takes pole position for tomorrow's Sprint. Separating him from his teammate Oscar Piastri, third, will be George Russell, who confirms his competitiveness.
Ferrari, on the other hand, are disappointing: despite the good sensations in FP1, Carlos Sainz and Charles Leclerc stopped in 4th and 5th place respectively. Max Verstappen, already world champion, will start from sixth position.
Here is the recipe TOP 10 of Qatar GP Sprint Qualifying: Norris, Russell, Piastri, Sainz, Leclerc, Verstappen, Hamilton, Gasly, Lawson, Hulkenberg.
