Sun Nov 30 16:30:00 UTC 2025: Okay, here’s a news article summarizing and rewriting the provided text, aiming for a news style:
Headline: Piastri on Pole, Dominates Qatar Grand Prix So Far, Norris Has a Shot at the Championship
Doha, Qatar – Oscar Piastri has been the driver to beat at the Qatar Grand Prix, topping every session so far. The Australian McLaren driver started today’s race from pole position, stating, “It’s nice to be back,” after Friday’s sprint qualifying.
His McLaren teammate, Lando Norris, started second, with championship leader Max Verstappen in third. Norris has an outside chance of securing his first Formula 1 World Championship today, adding extra excitement to the race.
The race began with Piastri maintaining his lead, while Verstappen swiftly overtook Norris for second place. However, a safety car period on Lap 7, triggered by a collision between Nico Hulkenberg and Pierre Gasly which is under investigation, allowed Norris to regain second place when Verstappen pitted. Hulkenberg spun off track as a result of the contact.
McLaren took a strategic gamble, opting not to pit either of their cars during the safety car period, committing to a two-stop strategy. Both Piastri and Norris made their first pitstops on Lap 25. Aston Martin’s Lance Stroll received a 5-second penalty for speeding in the pit lane, while Oliver Bearman received a 10-second stop-go penalty for an unsafe release.
The race is ongoing, with Piastri hoping to convert his dominant weekend into his first Grand Prix victory, and Norris looking to keep his title hopes alive.
First Piper 