McLaren’s Oscar Piastri Wins Qatar Grand Prix Sprint
Team Orders Ignored as Piastri Takes Victory
In a thrilling conclusion to the Qatar Grand Prix sprint, McLaren driver Oscar Piastri crossed the finish line a mere 0.136s ahead of his teammate Lando Norris. The victory was a result of a risky swap at the chequered flag, despite team orders telling Norris to hold position with George Russell close behind.
The Rivalry
The rivalry between Piastri and Norris has been a highlight of the season, with the two drivers often finding themselves in close battles on the track. In this instance, Norris was still fighting for the championship, but Verstappen’s win in Las Vegas last Saturday had ended that battle.
The Swap
Norris ignored team orders and gifted Piastri the victory, a move that was payback for Piastri’s gift of a sprint victory in Brazil. Norris led from pole position, while Piastri passed Russell for second at Turn 2 on the opening lap, a crucial move that put him in position to take the victory.
Teamwork
Norris kept Piastri in his slipstream, easing off to ensure the Australian stayed in DRS range to allow him to defend against Russell down the straight. Piastri credited his team’s help for his victory, stating that without their assistance, the sprint would have been much more difficult.
McLaren Takes a Step Closer to the Championship
The team’s lead over Ferrari, who had Carlos Sainz finish fourth and Charles Leclerc fifth, stretched to 30 points with 88 still to be won from tomorrow’s race and the final round in Abu Dhabi next weekend. McLaren will win the championship under the Lusail floodlights tomorrow night if they score 15 points more than Ferrari – the equivalent of another one-two.
Other Notable Performances
George Russell finished third for Mercedes, while his teammate Lewis Hamilton took sixth. Nico Hulkenberg finished seventh for Haas, and Red Bull’s Max Verstappen took the final point, a week after securing his fourth successive drivers’ title. Verstappen’s teammate Sergio Perez started from the pitlane and suffered the indignity of being passed at the exit by Williams’s Argentine rookie Franco Colapinto.
Conclusion
The Qatar Grand Prix sprint was a thrilling conclusion to the season, with McLaren taking a step closer to their first Formula One constructors’ title in 26 years. The team’s lead over Ferrari has stretched to 30 points, and they will win the championship if they score 15 points more than Ferrari in the final two races.
FAQs
Q: What was the result of the Qatar Grand Prix sprint?
A: Oscar Piastri won the sprint, crossing the finish line a mere 0.136s ahead of his teammate Lando Norris.
Q: Why did Norris ignore team orders and gift Piastri the victory?
A: Norris ignored team orders as payback for Piastri’s gift of a sprint victory in Brazil.
Q: How much does McLaren lead Ferrari in the constructors’ championship?
A: McLaren leads Ferrari by 30 points with 88 still to be won from the final two races.
Q: Will McLaren win the championship if they score 15 points more than Ferrari?
A: Yes, McLaren will win the championship if they score 15 points more than Ferrari in the final two races.