As the five red lights went out, Piastri launched from pole, immediately covering off Russell into Turn 1. Behind them, Max Verstappen surged forward from sixth on the grid, climbing to fourth and slotting in behind Norris. Charles Leclerc, meanwhile, tumbled down the order after a difficult opening lap.
The early phase ran cleanly, with Piastri steadily extending his lead while Norris and Verstappen engaged in a tense battle for third. Midway through the sprint, Verstappen reported renewed “porpoising” issues, an ongoing challenge for the Red Bull driver throughout the weekend.
Further back, Liam Lawson forced Leclerc wide in a bold overtake on Lap 12 to take 13th, but Racing Bulls quickly instructed the Kiwi to hand the position back. Yuki Tsunoda also picked up a five-second penalty for track limits.
At the chequered flag, Piastri crossed the line three seconds clear of Russell to claim the sprint victory, with Norris securing third and Verstappen settling for fourth. Despite receiving post-race track limits penalties, both Tsunoda and Kimi Antonelli retained their positions, finishing fifth and sixth, respectively.
Fernando Alonso and Carlos Sainz completed the points-paying positions, leaving Ferrari empty-handed as Leclerc ended the session 13th and Lewis Hamilton only 17th after a troubled run.
2025 Qatar GP Sprint Race Result:
1. Oscar Piastri
2. George Russell
3. Lando Norris
4. Max Verstappen
5. Yuki Tsunoda
6. Kimi Antonelli
7. Fernando Alonso
8. Carlos Sainz
9. Isack Hadjar
10. Alex Albon
11. Gabriel Bortoleto
12. Oliver Bearman
13. Charles Leclerc
14. Liam Lawson
15. Esteban Ocon
16. Nico Hülkenberg
17. Lewis Hamilton
18. Pierre Gasly
19. Lance Stroll
20. Franco Colapinto
Who do you think will stand on tomorrow’s podium? Share your predictions in the comments.
Catch 2025 Qatar GP Sprint Race highlights here.
