Oscar Piastri won the sprint in Qatar. © ANSA / ALI HAIDER

Sprint in Qatar: Piastri doesn't let up

Oscar Piastri has struck back in the Formula 1 title fight with his victory in the Qatar sprint.

29 November 2025

From: apa

The McLaren driver won Saturday's final short race of the season comfortably ahead of Mercedes star George Russell and championship leader Lando Norris in the second McLaren. With his third consecutive sprint victory in Qatar, the Australian reduced his deficit in the championship standings by two points to 22. Max Verstappen in the Red Bull finished fourth and is now 25 points behind Norris.

Should Norris win the Grand Prix on Sunday (17.00 p.m.), the Briton will secure his first world championship title. If the 26-year-old doesn't triumph in the race, he needs a 26-point lead before the final race in Abu Dhabi to clinch the title early. A total of 50 points are still up for grabs. Qualifying for the 23rd and penultimate race of the season, which is quite important due to the limited overtaking opportunities in the sprint finish, takes place on Saturday evening (19.00 p.m. CET/live on ORF 1 and Sky).

Piastri keeps his World Cup hopes alive. © APA/afp / ANDREJ ISAKOVIC

“I’m very happy with how things have gone so far. I have more speed and the grip is better for our car,” said Piastri after finishing on the podium for the first time since Monza almost three months ago. He admitted that things hadn’t gone well for him personally in recent weekends. “The pace wasn’t the issue. Now I’m in good form and the pace is strong. I’m not looking back anymore, I’m looking ahead,” emphasized Piastri, who received the winner’s trophy from tennis superstar Novak Djokovic.

Verstappen is struggling and under pressure

Norris could be satisfied with third place; in the Grand Prix, he aims to secure McLaren's first world championship title since Lewis Hamilton in 2008. "It will be a tough race. You almost can't get past here if the others don't make a mistake," he said. Should Verstappen fail to finish ahead of Norris, the reigning champion will be dethroned.

Verstappen frustrated. © ANSA / ALI HAIDER

In the short race at the Lusail International Circuit, pole-sitter Piastri got off to a good start and defended his lead ahead of Russell and Norris. Verstappen, who started from sixth on the grid, overtook Aston Martin driver Fernando Alonso and Red Bull teammate Yuki Tsunoda relatively easily. While Piastri comfortably managed his lead, Norris had to fend off an attack from Verstappen. After that, the race became rather uneventful, with no exciting moments in the 19 laps. Verstappen, meanwhile, reported continued problems with his car bouncing. "The bouncing is still bad," the Dutchman radioed to the pits.