Piastri trails Norris by 24 points in the title race

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.

Norris' team-mate Oscar Piastri, one of his two championship rivals, took pole, with Mercedes' George Russell second.

Red Bull's Max Verstappen, the other driver in title contention and tied on points 24 behind Norris, had a difficult session and will line up sixth for the sprint.

Norris cannot win the title after the sprint on Saturday, but can in the grand prix on Sunday if he can gain two points on both Piastri and Verstappen.