Piastri won the sprint at the Formula 1 stage in Qatar, Norris was third

Australian McLaren driver Oscar Piastri won the sprint race at the Formula 1 stage in Qatar.

Piastri started from pole position and maintained first place until the finish. Briton George Russell (Mercedes, +4.951) finished second in the race, and his compatriot Lando Norris (McLaren, +6.279) completed the top three race winners.

Based on the results of the sprint race, only eight riders receive points. The trophies were presented to the winners of the competition by the record holder for the most titles at Grand Slam tennis tournaments in singles, Novak Djokovic.

Norris continues to lead the championship with 396 points. Piastri gained back two points, and now the Australian has 374 points. The current world champion, Dutchman Max Verstappen (Red Bull), also retains his chances for the title (371).

The racing weekend in Qatar will continue with Saturday’s qualifying for the main race, starting at 21:00 Moscow time.

“Formula 1”. Stage 23. Qatar Grand Prix

Sprint. Top 8

1. Oscar Piastri (Australia, McLaren) – 26.51.033 (19 laps)

2. George Russell (Great Britain, Mercedes) – +4.951

3. Lando Norris (Great Britain, McLaren) – +6,279

4. Max Verstappen (Netherlands, Red Bull) – +9.054

5. Yuki Tsunoda (Japan, Red Bull) – +19,327

6. Kimi Antonelli (Italy, Mercedes) – +21.931

7. Fernando Alonso (Spain, Aston Martin) – +24,556

8. Carlos Sainz (Spain, Williams) – +27.333.