Piastri Takes Qatar Grand Prix Pole as McLaren Lock Out the Front Row

Sports

Oscar Piastri delivered a superb late-session lap to secure pole position for the 2025 Qatar Grand Prix, putting McLaren at the front of the grid during a crucial weekend in the championship fight. His lap of 1:19.387 edged out teammate Lando Norris by just 0.035 seconds, giving the team a commanding front-row lockout under the Lusail floodlights.

Norris came close to stealing pole but a small mistake in the middle sector cost him the final edge he needed. Even so, starting second strengthens his defence of the championship lead as the season enters its decisive final stretch.

Max Verstappen will start from third after struggling with car balance throughout the session. He pushed hard in the final moments but could not match McLaren’s pace, ending the session three tenths behind Piastri. George Russell secured fourth for Mercedes, delivering a clean and composed qualifying performance, while Fernando Alonso impressed in fifth after extracting strong pace from his Aston Martin.

Further down the order, the midfield was incredibly tight with just over half a second separating positions six through twelve. Track evolution played a big role, rewarding those who timed their laps perfectly in the closing minutes.

With overtaking at Lusail often dependent on tyre strategy and DRS effectiveness, securing pole has given Piastri a valuable advantage heading into Sunday. Norris remains in a strong position to defend his title lead, while Verstappen will need an aggressive approach if he hopes to keep the championship within reach.

As the lights go out tomorrow night, the Qatar Grand Prix promises another intense chapter in what has become one of the closest and most dramatic title battles in recent years.