The final starting grid for the Qatar GP

Piastri grabs a crucial sixth pole as the title fight with Norris reaches maximum tension.

Qualifying for the 2025 Qatar Grand Prix set the stage for a high-stakes showdown, with Oscar Piastri delivering under pressure to take his sixth pole position of the season. A make-or-break moment for the Australian, who needed a strong result to keep his title hopes alive, and he delivered perfectly.

Fresh off his Sprint victory from pole, Piastri once again found himself at the top after maximizing a costly mistake from his main rival: Lando Norris. The Brit faltered early in his final flying lap, forcing him to settle for P2.

Behind the McLaren duo, Max Verstappen held position but remained noticeably one step behind in terms of raw pace (natural car speed without external factors). George Russell completed the second row with a strong P4.

Below is the full grid for Sunday’s race:

2025 QATAR GP STARTING GRID

Oscar Piastri – McLaren
Lando Norris – McLaren
Max Verstappen – Red Bull
George Russell – Mercedes
Kimi Antonelli – Mercedes
Isack Hadjar – Racing Bulls
Carlos Sainz – Williams
Fernando Alonso – Aston Martin
Pierre Gasly – Alpine
Charles Leclerc – Ferrari
Nico Hülkenberg – Sauber
Liam Lawson – Racing Bulls
Oliver Bearman – Haas
Gabriel Bortoleto – Sauber
Alex Albon – Williams
Yuki Tsunoda – Red Bull
Esteban Ocon – Haas
Lewis Hamilton – Ferrari
Lance Stroll – Aston Martin
Franco Colapinto – Alpine

Piastri enters Sunday as the early favorite, but nothing is locked in. Norris must strike back immediately, while Verstappen lurks ready to disrupt the championship fight. Expect fireworks from lights out.