Norris Claims Pole Position for Qatar Sprint Race, Russell Second

The Qatar Grand Prix is being broadcast live on 5 Live and the BBC Sport website. Lando Norris of McLaren secured pole position for the sprint race at the Qatar Grand Prix, ahead of Mercedes driver George Russell. Norris edged out Russell by a mere 0.063 seconds, while Oscar Piastri, in the other McLaren, finished in third place. Ferrari, currently contending with McLaren for the constructors’ championship, placed fourth and fifth, with Carlos Sainz being 0.027 seconds quicker than Charles Leclerc. Newly crowned world champion Max Verstappen achieved only sixth position, finishing ahead of Mercedes’ Lewis Hamilton. Norris commented: “It’s tough because it’s so quick around here, it feels like the quickest circuit of the year, the final sector feels like you’re just hanging on.” He added, “Great qualifying, especially to bounce back after where we were in Vegas last weekend.” Norris’s aspirations of surpassing Verstappen for the drivers’ title were ultimately ended in Las Vegas, marking a disappointing weekend for McLaren. However, they enter the final two races of the season with a 25-point advantage over Ferrari in the constructors’ championship. McLaren has an opportunity to clinch the title this weekend, but only if they achieve the maximum possible points. This would necessitate a one-two finish in Saturday’s sprint, scheduled to commence at 14:00 UK time, to kick off the weekend. Regarding their objectives, Norris commented: “”Our target is a one-two,” Norris said, “and maximise points for the constructors’ but not expecting an easy one.”” Russell’s impressive performance from Las Vegas, where he secured his second victory of the season with a dominant display, carried over to a distinctly different circuit in a contrasting desert environment. Russell shared his thoughts: “”Felt really strong all session,” Russell said. “The car was really great and this circuit is one of the best when you get into that groove and rhythm. It’s so fast.”I went flat through the high-speed for the first time and confused the engine a bit. Had a big recharge out of it because it went through flat. A bit annoying because I lost a chunk on the exit but I still think Lando was a bit out of reach.”” Ferrari’s apprehension that McLaren might prove too formidable in Qatar appeared to be materializing, with Sainz trailing Norris’s pace by 0.269 seconds. Leclerc, who had been significantly faster in practice earlier in the day, commented: “Not good because when you give it all and we are only P4 and P5 it’s not great considering how important this weekend is for us.” He added, “P1 was a lot above our expectations, this is in line with what we expected. We are coming back to reality. There were hopes we could do something better but we didn’t.” Verstappen, whose sole victory since June occurred in wet conditions in Brazil earlier this month, was 0.303 seconds behind the leading pace. Verstappen offered his assessment: “”Just no pace, to be honest,” Verstappen said. “Didn’t have the balance to attack entry to mid-corner. The very high speed is OK but the rest is not and it makes it difficult to push.”” Hamilton’s difficulties in qualifying persisted, as he was 0.399 seconds slower than Russell. The seven-time champion voiced his ongoing frustration: “”Same as every other qualifying – not that great,” the seven-time champion said. “I’m just slow. Same every weekend. Car felt relatively decent, no issues. Not much more to say.”” Pierre Gasly of Alpine, Haas driver Nico Hulkenberg, and RB’s Liam Lawson rounded out the top 10 positions. The other Red Bull driver, Sergio Perez, was eliminated in the first session and will commence the race from 16th place. The Mexican, who has been knocked out in Q1 six times this year, attributed his failure to a battle for track position with Leclerc.