Piastri secures pole for Qatar F1 sprint race as title fight intensifies

Oscar Piastri clinched pole position for the Sprint on Friday, boosting his Formula One title hopes at the Qatar Grand Prix.

Piastri set the pace for the penultimate race weekend of the season while sitting 24 points behind his team-mate Lando Norris, who will start on the second row of Saturday’s Sprint Race after qualifying in 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 is only the sprint, but I'll take what I can get.”

Piastri is all set to join on the front row for the 19-lap Sprint, joined by the Mercedes of George Russell.

Piastri secured pole position in the Sprint Shootout, with Norris qualifying third to start on the second row.

However, Norris can strengthen his championship lead if results go his way in today’s sprint and Sunday’s grand prix.

A maximum of eight points are available in the sprint and 25 in the race on Sunday.

Nonetheless, Piastri’s significant position gave him the confidence to enjoy his weekend, turning the pressure on his opponents.

In addition, it is expected that the championship won’t be easily decided in Qatar.