Norris rushes to pole sprint race in Qatar, Verstappen has to make do with sixth place

Lando Norris has taken pole position for the sprint race of the Formula 1 Grand Prix of Qatar. At the circuit in Lusail, George Russell took second place. This was followed by Oscar Piastri, Carlos Sainz and Charles Leclerc.

Max Verstappen did not get further than sixth place in the sprint qualifying.

Verstappen, who took the world title last week with a fifth place in the Las Vegas GP, had difficulty keeping up with the pace of McLaren (Norris and Piastri) and Ferrari (Sainz and Leclerc) all day.

The dramatic season of Verstappen Red Bull teammate Sergio Pérez did not get any better on Friday evening, as he was out after the first part of qualifying.

The sprint race will be held on Saturday at 3 p.m. Qualifying for the main race will follow at 7 p.m.

There is little at stake anymore for Verstappen, but it is still very exciting, especially in the World Cup for Constructors. Three teams (McLaren, Ferrari and Red Bull) can still become champions.

Earlier on Friday, the only free practice was held in Lusail. Leclerc set the fastest time, ahead of Norris and Piastri.

The session was the only free training of the weekend, because this weekend the sprint format will be used for the last time this season. Teams and drivers were therefore only given one free hour to work on the setup of their cars.