Lando Norris handed his McLaren teammate Oscar Piastri the victory in Saturday’s sprint race at the Qatar Grand Prix, ignoring team orders to maintain position.
McLaren, vying for its first Constructors’ Championship in 26 years, had instructed Norris to “finish in this order” with Piastri behind him, especially with Mercedes’ George Russell close on their heels.
Instead, Norris chose to repay Piastri for a similar gesture in Brazil when Piastri handed Norris a win while he was battling Max Verstappen for the Drivers’ Championship. On the final lap, Norris moved to the side exiting the last corner, allowing Piastri to take the lead before cutting back ahead of Russell, who finished third.
“I made my mind up in Brazil when it happened,” Norris said after the race. “I needed to do something to give it back.”
Tactical Teamwork and a Close Battle
Starting on pole, Norris initially held the lead while Piastri overtook Russell for second. As Russell pressed hard to reclaim the spot, Norris slowed his pace, allowing Piastri to stay within the crucial one-second gap for DRS assistance.
“I did as much as I could to help Oscar. I knew George was going to be quick,” Norris explained.
Russell, however, was unimpressed, expressing frustration with McLaren’s tactics and accusing Piastri of making late defensive moves.
Constructors’ Championship in Focus
The result bolstered McLaren’s lead over Ferrari in the Constructors’ Championship to 30 points. Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz Jr. and Charles Leclerc finished fourth and fifth, respectively. With a maximum of 88 points still available across Sunday’s Qatar Grand Prix and next week’s season finale in Abu Dhabi, the title fight remains tight.
Red Bull’s chances took a hit, falling 67 points behind McLaren. Max Verstappen, fresh off clinching his fourth Drivers’ Championship in Las Vegas, finished eighth, while teammate Sergio Perez came last after a pit stop to replace a damaged nose.
Eyes on Sunday’s Race
The focus now shifts to Saturday’s qualifying session, which will set the grid for Sunday’s main event in Qatar. With McLaren’s momentum and Red Bull’s struggles, the stage is set for a thrilling conclusion to the season.
