Norris takes sprint pole in Qatar

Lando Norris has taken pole position for the last sprint race of the year in Formula 1.

29 November 2024

From: dpa

The Briton, who has already been beaten by Max Verstappen in the drivers' championship, drove the fastest lap in his McLaren in the decisive section of the knockout rounds at the Lusail International Circuit. "A great qualifying," said Norris: "We came here to get pole and that's what we did."

George Russell in the Mercedes came second, just 63 thousandths of a second behind, five days after his Grand Prix victory in Las Vegas. Oscar Piastri came third in the second McLaren. Only then did the two Ferraris with Carlos Sainz and Charles Leclerc join them.

Ferrari want to challenge McLaren for the constructors' title. © APA/afp / DARKO BANDIC

The Scuderia and McLaren are still up for grabs in the two remaining Grand Prix for the constructors' title. Before the sprint race over around 100 kilometers this Saturday at 15.00:24 p.m. CET, McLaren is XNUMX points ahead of Ferrari. Defending champion Red Bull only has a mathematical chance.

Pérez's next failure

Max Verstappen finished sixth in Las Vegas after his renewed coronation. The team-mate of the four-time champion from the Netherlands, Sergio Pérez, experienced another personal disaster. The 34-year-old Mexican was eliminated in 16th place in the first period. Despite all his own assurances, his continued stay at Red Bull after this season is more than questionable.

Sergio Perez was eliminated early again. © APA/afp / GIUSEPPE CACACE

The only regular German driver, Nico Hülkenberg, made it into the top ten in his Haas, finishing ninth. After the sprint race, qualifying for the Qatar Grand Prix is scheduled for Saturday (19.00 p.m. CET).