Lando Norris hands Oscar Piastri victory as McLaren take one-two in Qatar sprint
The IndependentSign up to our free sport newsletter for all the latest news on everything from cycling to boxing Sign up to our free sport email for all the latest news Sign up to our free sport email for all the latest news SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Oscar Piastri won the sprint race in Qatar ahead of team-mate Lando Norris as McLaren closed in on a first constructors’ title in 26 years. Norris bounced back from his championship defeat to Verstappen in Las Vegas by beating Mercedes’ Russell to pole position, and he made no mistake with his getaway – something that could not always be said this season – to lead into the first corner. Russell, who claimed his third career win in Las Vegas a week ago, yelled over the radio: “He just f****** turned into me.” With Russell crawling all over Piastri’s McLaren gearbox, Norris dropped back to ensure he was not more than one second clear of Piastri – and thus affording the Australian a DRS-assisted tow to keep the Mercedes at bay. “We scored a one-two and that is what we were aiming for,” said Norris, who finished just one tenth behind Piastri and only 0.410 seconds ahead of Russell following the last-corner swap.