Oscar Piastri took his first pole position in three months after topping sprint qualifying for the 2025 Qatar Grand Prix.

Formula 1 has arrived in Doha for the penultimate round of the season, travelling from Las Vegas to the Lusail International Circuit, which hosts the race for a fourth year running.

Unlike previous seasons where championships were already settled by this stage, this year’s battle remains wide open.

McLaren have secured the constructors’ title, but both of their drivers are still fighting for the Drivers’ Championship. Lando Norris leads the standings, with teammate Piastri 24 points behind. Last year’s champion Max Verstappen has now drawn level with Piastri after his dominant win in Las Vegas.

Verstappen has recovered from a difficult start to the season with a strong run of results, but his hopes took a hit in Friday’s session. Unhappy with his car’s setup, he ran wide into the gravel on his first push lap, and damage from that off left him only sixth on his second attempt.

Norris also slipped up at the final corner on his last lap, leaving him third. George Russell briefly held provisional pole with a strong lap for Mercedes, but Piastri delivered when it counted to finish fastest.

Lewis Hamilton’s difficult run continued as he was knocked out in Q1 and will start 18th. Charles Leclerc will line up ninth, while Fernando Alonso produced one of the surprises of the afternoon by jumping to fourth.

Norris could seal the title this weekend if he outscores both Piastri and Verstappen; otherwise, the fight will continue to the final round in Abu Dhabi.

Sprint racing and main qualifying take place on Saturday, with the Grand Prix set for Sunday.