2024 F1 Qatar GP: Full starting grid for the sprint race as Lando Norris takes pole
McLaren driver Lando Norris took yet another pole position in the sprint qualifying this year at the 2024 Qatar Grand Prix. It was the third time this year that the British driver took top honors at the end of the sprint shootout, having started from P1 in China and Brazil.
The 25-year-old looked comfortable throughout the session as the MCL38 was the car to beat given its amazing performance through the fast corners at the Lusail International Circuit. However, he was closely followed by his good friend and Mercedes driver, George Russell, who finished under a tenth behind him.
Below is the full starting lineup for the Sprint on Saturday at the 2024 Qatar GP:
1 Lando Norris, McLaren
2 George Russell, Mercedes
3 Oscar Piastri, McLaren
4 Carlos Sainz, Ferrari
5 Charles Leclerc, Ferrari
6 Max Verstappen, Red Bull
7 Lewis Hamilton, Mercedes
8 Pierre Gasly, Alpine
9 Nico Hulkenberg, Haas
10 Liam Lawson, VCARB
11 Fernando Alonso, Aston Martin
12 Alexander Albon, Williams
13 Valtteri Bottas, Sauber
14 Lance Stroll, Aston Martin
15 Kevin Magnussen, Haas
16 Sergio Perez, Red Bull
17 Yuki Tsunoda, VCARB
18 Esteban Ocon, Alpine
19 Guanyu Zhou, Sauber
20 Franco Colapinto, Williams
Lando Norris analyzes his Sprint pole at the Qatar Grand Prix
McLaren driver Lando Norris said he was aware that the track layout would suit the MCL38 as they wanted to come back after a slightly disappointing weekend in Las Vegas last time around.
Speaking with Sky Sports, the Brit reflected:
"Job done for today, so we’re happy. We wanted to come back after Vegas and do such a thing, and that’s what we did, so we’re happy. We knew this track would suit us a lot more. Looking back at last year it was one of our strongest circuits, so we expected to come here and be quick. It was probably a bit closer than what I would have.
"I felt confident, especially into qualifying. In practice, we were quick but still struggling quite a bit and a good step of the Ferraris. Into qualifying, we made some improvements, but I think the car really took a step forward and I could extract a lot more out of it."
Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri would want to finish ahead of the Ferraris in the sprint race on Saturday and take maximum points to extend their lead in the Constructors' Championship over the Italian team.