Sun Nov 30 18:10:00 UTC 2025: Headline: Piastri Grabs Pole in Qatar, Title Race Heats Up; Ferrari Woes Continue

DOHA, Qatar – Oscar Piastri secured pole position for Sunday’s Qatar Grand Prix, keeping his championship hopes alive and setting the stage for a thrilling race. The McLaren driver edged out teammate and championship leader Lando Norris, who made a costly mistake on his final qualifying lap. Max Verstappen of Red Bull will start third, giving him a chance to disrupt the McLaren duo and keep his own title hopes afloat.

Piastri’s stellar performance follows his victory in Saturday’s sprint race, leaving him just 22 points behind Norris in the championship standings. Norris can clinch the title with a win on Sunday, but if Piastri finishes ahead or within three points of his teammate, the battle will continue to the final race in Abu Dhabi. Verstappen trails Norris by 25 points and needs a strong result to remain in contention.

Norris admitted his error cost him pole, saying, “Oscar did a good lap, drove very well, and has been driving well all weekend… just didn’t do the lap, and still P2 for tomorrow.” Piastri credited the team for the car’s setup, stating, “Everything felt great all weekend. If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it!”

The qualifying session also saw disappointment for Ferrari, with Charles Leclerc qualifying tenth after a spin damaged his tires and Lewis Hamilton shockingly eliminated in Q1 for the second consecutive Grand Prix weekend. Hamilton expressed his frustration with the car’s performance, as did Leclerc.

George Russell will start fourth for Mercedes, followed by Kimi Antonelli, with Racing Bulls’ Isack Hadjar in sixth and Carlos Sainz in seventh.

The Qatar Grand Prix promises an exciting race as Piastri looks to continue his momentum, Norris aims to secure the championship, and Verstappen seeks to stay in the hunt. The race begins at [Insert Time] local time.

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