F1: Oscar Piastri Triumphs in Qatar Sprint After Late Team Play with Lando Norris
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Doha, Nov 30 (NationPress) Oscar Piastri clinched a sensational victory in the Qatar Grand Prix Sprint at Lusail International Circuit on Saturday, taking advantage of a last-minute tactical decision when his McLaren teammate Lando Norris stepped aside right before the chequered flag.
Norris had an impressive start, converting his pole position into a significant lead over the 19-lap sprint. Piastri, who began in third place, quickly overtook George Russell's Mercedes to secure P2 at Turn 2. From that point, the Australian demonstrated exceptional defensive skills, fending off Russell's pressure.
The contest between Piastri and Russell was a key highlight of the race. Despite Russell's multiple attempts to regain second place, including a close maneuver into Turn 1, Piastri successfully defended his position.
The critical moment arrived in the race's concluding stages. Norris, dealing with tire wear, fell back slightly, allowing Piastri to close the distance. In a strategic gesture acknowledging Piastri's earlier support in Sao Paulo, Norris graciously moved aside on the final straight, enabling his teammate to claim victory.
Following the McLarens, Russell secured a commendable third place, helping Mercedes maintain its competitive edge. Ferrari drivers Carlos Sainz and Charles Leclerc finished fourth and fifth, with Leclerc narrowly winning a thrilling battle against future teammate Lewis Hamilton, who took sixth.
This one-two finish for McLaren bolstered the team's position in the constructors' championship, increasing their lead over Ferrari to 30 points. With only a few races remaining, McLaren's united front, highlighted by the Norris-Piastri partnership, puts them in a strong position as the season approaches its conclusion.
