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Mark Hughes analyses the McLaren team fight between Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris, and explains how Red Bull helped alleviate Max Verstappen’s porpoising issues
McLaren secured the front row with Oscar Piastri ahead of Lando Norris at Qatar’s Lusail track, not entirely unexpected for the medium-fast circuit. However, the outcome was not predetermined. Even though George Russell anticipated Red Bull to be fastest due to its strong cornering performance throughout the season, Max Verstappen qualified third, behind the McLarens. Verstappen acknowledged the car’s consistent front grip issue, a season-long weakness causing understeer in high-speed corners. Although set-up changes improved performance, it wasn’t enough to challenge the McLarens. The team increased ride height to address balance issues, opting for two prep laps to combat understeer. Norris and Piastri’s tight competition continued into qualifying, with Piastri narrowly edging out Norris for pole position in the end.
