Despite claiming another podium finish, George Russell was left frustrated in the Qatar Sprint as he was unable to overtake Oscar Piastri after multiple unsuccessful lunges throughout the 19 laps.

The Mercedes man pinned the blame on pole-sitter Lando Norris, who aided Piastri as he led every lap around the Lusail International Circuit before handing his team mate the win coming out of the final corner.

READ MORE: Piastri takes victory in Qatar Sprint as Norris reverses positions on last corner in McLaren one-two

Although the Australian passed Russell with a bold move on the opening lap, he came under continuous pressure from the Briton and was accused numerous times over the radio of late defensive moves to keep the Mercedes behind.

Norris slowed down to give Piastri DRS and assist with his defence, making Russell’s job significantly harder as the McLaren pair narrowly clung on to a one-two finish to extend their lead over Ferrari in the constructors’ standings.