Norris defies team orders to give Piastri sprint win at Qatar Grand Prix while Verstappen takes pole
Lando Norris defied team orders at the Qatar Grand Prix, allowing his McLaren teammate Oscar Piastri to win the sprint race. This one-two finish comes as McLaren aims for its first constructors' title in 26 years. Max Verstappen secured pole position for the main race, edging out George Russell by just 0.055 seconds. This marks Verstappen's first pole since June, as Red Bull faces increased competition from McLaren, Ferrari, and Mercedes. McLaren now leads Ferrari by 30 points in the constructors' championship. Red Bull has fallen 67 points behind McLaren, with Verstappen finishing eighth in the sprint and teammate Sergio Perez last after a pit stop.