Oscar Piastri wins Qatar sprint, McLaren closes in on F1 constructors’ title

LUSAIL, Qatar — McLaren neared its first Formula 1 constructors’ title in 26 years as Lando Norris handed Oscar Piastri the victory in a one-two finish for the team in the sprint race at the Qatar Grand Prix on Saturday.

Norris started on pole position and kept the lead at the start as Piastri squeezed past the Mercedes of George Russell for second.

Verstappen — crowned the drivers’ champion last week in Las Vegas — finished eighth and his Red Bull teammate Sergio Perez was last after a pit stop to change his car’s front wing.

Qualifying takes place later Saturday for Sunday’s Grand Prix race.