Lando Norris could qualify only third for the sprint race at the Qatar Grand Prix on the weekend the McLaren driver could clinch the world title for the first time.

Oscar Piastri led McLaren teammate and Formula One title rival Lando Norris at the top of the timesheets in sole practice for the Qatar Grand Prix on Friday.

Lando Norris holds a 24-point lead over both Verstappen and his McLaren teammate Piastri, with tomorrow’s sprint race the first opportunity for things to change.