Lando Norris has received his second warning for track limits during the Qatar Grand Prix, putting him just one mistake away from a potential five-second penalty. The McLaren driver remains in the fight at the front, but the margin for error is shrinking rapidly.
Here’s the latest from Lusail:
Lap 30/57 — Piastri overtakes Antonelli for P3
Oscar Piastri is flying.
With a huge tow down the main straight, the Australian braked much later into Turn 1, easily passing Mercedes rookie Kimi Antonelli for third. Antonelli didn’t even attempt a defence as Piastri swept by with confidence.
McLaren now has both cars firmly inside the top three.
Lap 26/57 — Norris pits and avoids traffic scare
Lando Norris boxed on Lap 26 and looked dangerously close to rejoining in heavy midfield traffic.
But McLaren timed it perfectly — Norris emerged just ahead of Fernando Alonso, who sits sixth.
A potentially disastrous situation turned into a rescue job thanks to quick pit work and well-judged timing.
Lap 25/57 — Piastri pits from the lead
Piastri blinked first.
McLaren called him in on Lap 25 while he was leading the race. The stop was clean, and he rejoined in P5 behind Sainz and Antonelli — but, crucially, ahead of the chasing pack, giving him clear air to push.
Norris followed the very next lap but didn’t enjoy the same breathing room.
The title contenders are now locked in a fascinating strategic battle, with track limits, pit windows and tyre life all starting to play a decisive role.
