McLaren Racing’s Lando Norris finished 3rd in the final Sprint Race of the season at the 2025 F1 Qatar GP, trailing teammate Oscar Piastri, who dominated from lights-to-flag to take the win. Having started 3rd on the grid, the Briton got a strong launch off the line and quickly settled into a rhythm to secure valuable points in his championship battle.
Sitting atop the Drivers’ Standings with 396 points, another Qualifying session lies ahead of Norris that will set the grid for tomorrow’s race. Heading into the main race, all Norris needs to do is either win the race or outscore his teammate by at least four points — without finishing behind Max Verstappen — to claim the championship.
“I never saw him” – Norris on a charging Verstappen
Although Verstappen seemed to briefly threaten Norris’ position in 3rd, he admitted that he hadn’t noticed the Dutchman and was fully focused on George Russell ahead. With overtaking so difficult on this track, he emphasised the importance of qualifying for tomorrow’s race.
“I never saw him [Verstappen], actually. I just saw George ahead. So, yeah, I tried to go forwards. We got pretty close at the start, but it was good.
“No, I didn’t see what happened behind. So long, long stint, it felt like a lot of pushing. So like you said, it’s going to be a tough race tomorrow. But yeah, just not easy to pass around here. Too difficult. Yeah. So all about qualifying.”
Predicts that Russell and Mercedes will challenge McLaren
After splitting the two McLarens in yesterday’s Sprint Qualifying, Norris anticipates a tight session and expects Russell and Mercedes to pose a strong challenge. The Briton said: “Yeah, I mean, you know, George was almost on pole. You know, he’s showing that the Mercedes is quick and he’s doing a very, very good job. So I think it’ll be close. I don’t think it’s going to be an easy one.”
He praised the team for providing him and Piastri with a competitive package and expressed his enthusiasm for today’s Qualifying session.
“But, you know, the team have also given us a very good car once again, as they always do this year. And it’s been quick. It’s a hell of a lap around here in qualifying. So I’m looking forward to it.”
Norris has a strong opportunity to secure his first Drivers’ title this weekend — but a solid Qualifying performance will be his first hurdle to overcome.
