It was a near flawless race execution by McLaren in Saturday’s Formula 1 Qatar Grand Prix Sprint as Oscar Piastri snagged the win over teammate Lando Norris.
While Norris started on pole and led the full distance heading into the final lap, he seemingly pulled over to allowed Piastri to take over the top spot and secure the victory. It was a nod to Piastri for taking team owners a handful of races ago at the Sao Paulo Grand Prix sprint, where he allowed Norris to win and secure valuable points.
With Norris out of the hunt for the drivers’ championship following Max Verstappen’s fourth title last week at the Last Vegas Grand Prix, it was fitting for Norris to pay back the favor.
“It was about defense for the whole race to be honest,” said Piastri. “I had a good start and a good turn one obviously and then just didn’t quite have the pace. I think I killed the front a little bit early on and then I was struggling a bit for the rest of the sprint.
“Some great teamwork, I think without that help it would have been a much more difficult Sprint. Nice to have a McLaren one-two.”
Piastri also won last year’s Qatar sprint.Â
Mercedes’ George Russell claimed third ahead of the Ferraris of Carlos Sainz and Charles Leclerc.Â
Lewis Hamilton nabbed sixth while Haas F-1’s Nico Hulkenberg out-ran newly-crowned champion Max Verstappen for the final two points-paying positions.Â