Norris gives Piastri victory in Qatar sprint as McLaren closes in on F1 constructors’ title

LUSAIL, Qatar (AP) — McLaren moved closer to its first Formula 1 constructors’ title in 26 years when Lando Norris gave victory to Oscar Piastri in a one-two for the team in the Qatar Grand Prix sprint race on Saturday .

Norris started from pole position and maintained the lead at the start while Piastri overtook George Russell’s Mercedes for second place.

Norris gave Piastri the lead with the finish line in sight, paying his teammate for giving him a victory in the sprint race in Brazil when Norris was still fighting Max Verstappen for the drivers’ title. Russell finished third.

Verstappen, crowned drivers’ champion last week in Las Vegas, finished eighth and his Red Bull teammate Sergio Perez was last after a pit stop to change the nose of his car.

Qualifying will take place later on Saturday for Sunday’s Grand Prix race.

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