Oscar Piastri took pole position for the sprint on Friday, boosting his hopes of a Formula 1 title at the Qatar Grand Prix.
Piastri set the pace for the penultimate race weekend of the season while sitting 24 points behind his teammate Lando Norris, who will start on the second row of Saturday’s Sprint Race after qualifying third.
Red Bull’s Max Verstappen is level on points with Piastri but needs more work to keep his bid for a fifth consecutive title alive after qualifying only sixth.
Piastri said: “It’s just the sprint, but I’ll take what I can get.”
Piastri is all set to take the front row for the 19-lap sprint, accompanied by the Mercedes of George Russell.
Piastri secured pole position in the Sprint Shootout, with Norris qualifying third and starting on the second row.
However, Norris can strengthen his championship lead if results suit him in today’s sprint and Sunday’s Grand Prix.
A maximum of eight points can be achieved in the sprint and 25 in the race on Sunday.
Nevertheless, Piastri’s important position gave him the confidence to enjoy his weekend, increasing the pressure on his opponents.
In addition, it is expected that the championship in Qatar will not be decided just like that.
