Lando Norris reveals Qatar GP approach on first F1 title judgement day

Lando Norris has revealed he will approach the Qatar Grand Prix the "same as every day", with it representing his first chance to seal a maiden F1 drivers' title. 

Norris' lead reduced to 22 points in the Sprint following a win for McLaren team-mate Oscar Piastri, whilst he had to settle for third. 

The Briton had been on provisional pole ahead of the final hot laps, but failed to set a second flying lap following a mistake at the second corner. 

It opened the door to Piastri to capitalise on Norris' mistake, something he did by setting a new Lusail International Circuit track record to clinch pole. 

Nevertheless, Norris will win the title in the Qatar GP if he either wins the race or out scores Piastri by four points – he also must finish ahead of Verstappen.

Discussing if he had the pace to improve in qualifying, Norris said: "No idea. Don't care now. It's too late. Oscar did a very good job, has done the whole weekend. I certainly felt a bit more comfortable in the car, that I could push it a bit more in the way I wanted.

"So, I felt better. I felt like I did a good first lap. I felt like there were plenty of places I thought I could go quicker. 

"I think Turn 2 wasn't necessarily one of them, but it was one where I just caught a bit of understeer for some reason, and that was it. 

"So yeah, frustrating because I certainly think I could have done a better job and improved on my lap a good amount — but I didn’t. So, second on the grid for us."

With Piastri on pole and Verstappen starting in third, the opening corner could have a huge say on if Norris wins the title in Qatar. The 26-year-old is targeting a good start, although will line up on the dirty side of the grid.

Asked how he will approach the race, Norris replied: "Same as every day. I'm second, so not a whole chance for me to win at the minute. But yeah, I just focus on trying to get a good start. That's all."