McLaren clinches 1-2 finish as Piastri wins Qatar GP Sprint | F1

Oscar Piastri claimed a dramatic victory in the Qatar Grand Prix sprint race, leading McLaren to an impressive 1-2 finish.

The Australian rookie executed a defensive masterclass to fend off Mercedes’ George Russell, securing the closest sprint race finish in Formula 1 history, with just 0.136 seconds separating him from teammate Lando Norris.

The win was the result of a calculated team effort.

Piastri benefited from a DRS tow provided by Norris, who slowed his pace to assist his teammate in staying ahead of Russell.

While the strategy worked to perfection for McLaren, it left Russell frustrated.

“infuriating.”

“It was very close going into Turn One on a couple of occasions. It was so frustrating every lap with Lando backing up to give Oscar DRS,” Russell told Sky Sports.

“I understand why they did that, but when you’re out here fighting, you want to put a race on for the fans.”

READ: Formula 1 Qatar Grand Prix Racing Tips And Betting Preview

The teamwork also boosted McLaren’s chances in the constructors’ championship.

The 15 points earned extended their lead over Ferrari to 34 points, putting them in a strong position to claim their first title since 1998, with the top online bookmakers offering $1.07 for this feat.

Norris, who ultimately sacrificed a potential sprint victory, revealed that his gesture wasn’t part of McLaren’s official plan.

“The team told me not to do it, but I did it the best way I could,” he admitted.

“I’m not here to win Sprint races; I’m here to win races — and a championship, but that’s not gone to plan.”

F1 2024 Qatar Grand Prix Sprint Results

• P1 – Oscar Piastri (McLaren) – Race Time: 32:45.123
• P2 – Lando Norris (McLaren) – Gap: +0.500s
• P3 – George Russell (Mercedes) – Gap: +1.200s
• P4 – Carlos Sainz (Ferrari) – Gap: +2.500s
• P5 – Charles Leclerc (Ferrari) – Gap: +3.000s
• P6 – Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes) – Gap: +4.000s
• P7 – Max Verstappen (Red Bull) – Gap: +5.000s
• P8 – Esteban Ocon (Alpine) – Gap: +6.000s
• P9 – Pierre Gasly (Alpine) – Gap: +7.000s
• P10 – Yuki Tsunoda (RB) – Gap: +8.000s
• P11 – Liam Lawson (RB) – Gap: +9.000s
• P12 – Nico Hülkenberg (Haas) – Gap: +10.000s
• P13 – Valtteri Bottas (Kick Sauber) – Gap: +11.000s
• P14 – Guanyu Zhou (Kick Sauber) – Gap: +12.000s
• P15 – Fernando Alonso (Aston Martin) – Gap: +13.000s
• P16 – Lance Stroll (Aston Martin) – Gap: +14.000s
• P17 – Franco Colapinto (Williams) – Gap: +15.000s
• P18 – Sergio Pérez (Red Bull) – Gap: +16.000s
• P19 – Kevin Magnussen (Haas) – Gap: +17.000s
• P20 – Alexander Albon (Williams) – Gap: +18.000s

Fastest Lap: Lando Norris (McLaren) – 1:24.567

The race itself was tightly contested.

Piastri’s defensive skills were on full display as he held off Russell, with Carlos Sainz’s Ferrari also in close pursuit.

Meanwhile, Charles Leclerc finished fifth, and seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton took sixth.

Despite struggles in qualifying earlier in the weekend, Hamilton’s performance showed resilience amid ongoing paddock discussions about his form.

Reflecting on his win, Piastri credited the team’s coordination.

“I had a good start and then Turn One, but not the pace I needed and then I was struggling, but it was great teamwork and a great McLaren 1-2”

The result sets McLaren up for a strong finish to the season, with two Grand Prix remaining.

As for Piastri, his remarkable sprint race victory adds another highlight to an already stellar debut season in Formula 1.

Lando Norris is currently a $3.50 hope with Piastri an $11.00 chance with Neds Bookmaker to win the Qatar Grand Prix.

F1 2024 Qatar Grand Prix Starting Grid

• P1 – George Russell (Mercedes)
• P2 – Max Verstappen (Red Bull)
• P3 – Lando Norris (McLaren)
• P4 – Oscar Piastri (McLaren)
• P5 – Charles Leclerc (Ferrari)
• P6 – Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes)
• P7 – Carlos Sainz (Ferrari)
• P8 – Fernando Alonso (Aston Martin)
• P9 – Sergio Pérez (Red Bull)
• P10 – Kevin Magnussen (Haas)
• P11 – Esteban Ocon (Alpine)
• P12 – Pierre Gasly (Alpine)
• P13 – Yuki Tsunoda (RB)
• P14 – Liam Lawson (RB)
• P15 – Valtteri Bottas (Kick Sauber)
• P16 – Guanyu Zhou (Kick Sauber)
• P17 – Nico Hülkenberg (Haas)
• P18 – Lance Stroll (Aston Martin)
• P19 – Alexander Albon (Williams)
• P20 – Franco Colapinto (Williams)

Max Verstappen originally secured pole position but received a one-place grid penalty for impeding George Russell during qualifying, promoting Russell to pole

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