The McLaren driver, seeking to revive his title challenge, beat Mercedes’ George Russell by just 0.032s, securing his first pole of any kind since Zandvoort and confirming his strong form from earlier practice.

Championship leader Lando Norris had to settle for third after running wide at the final corner on his last effort, costing him a potential front‑row start alongside his teammate.

Mixed Fortunes for Title Rivals Norris and Verstappen

While Norris remains in a strong position from the second row, Max Verstappen endured a difficult session and will start only sixth for Red Bull. Verstappen lost his first SQ3 lap to track limits at Turn 4 after brushing the gravel and appeared to pick up floor damage, then complained of severe bouncing on his final run, describing the car’s behaviour in colourful terms over team radio.

Yuki Tsunoda out‑qualified his Red Bull team‑mate to take fifth, his first time ahead of Verstappen this season, while Fernando Alonso delivered an impressive fourth for Aston Martin to line up directly behind the McLaren front‑runner.

How Sprint Qualifying Unfolded at Lusail

Piastri signalled his intent early, topping the sole practice session before carrying that speed into all three segments of Sprint Qualifying. Norris led SQ2 with Verstappen third, suggesting a three‑way fight for pole, but in SQ3 the balance swung decisively toward Piastri as conditions cooled and grip improved.

In the final shootout, Russell briefly grabbed provisional pole with a strong second run, finding almost two tenths over his previous best, only for Piastri to respond immediately and reclaim top spot. Norris’ attempt to join the battle was undone by traffic and a mistake at the last corner, leaving McLaren with first and third rather than a front‑row lockout.

Strategic Stakes for the Sprint and Title Fight

With Norris holding a 24‑point lead over both Piastri and Verstappen heading into Qatar, the Sprint represents a vital chance for Piastri to close the gap. Starting from pole gives the Australian clear air and control over strategy, while Verstappen’s P6 starting spot leaves the Dutchman needing an aggressive race to limit potential damage.

Norris has already said he would be “stupid” not to go for the Sprint win if the opportunity arises, though he must balance attacking Russell and Piastri with avoiding unnecessary risk that could compromise his title push.

Grid Outlook Behind the Front Runners

Behind the leading quintet of Piastri, Russell, Norris, Alonso and Tsunoda, Verstappen heads the fourth row alongside Kimi Antonelli’s Mercedes, followed by Williams driver Carlos Sainz and Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc. Alex Albon completed the SQ3 runners in tenth.

With McLaren locking out P1 and P3 and Red Bull only P5 and P6, the Sprint grid sets up a high‑stakes clash at Lusail that could significantly reshape the momentum of the 2025 Formula 1 title battle.