One-and-a-half tenth, that’s how much Oscar Piastry was shy of this first pole position of his Formula 1 career. The young Ozzy was on top of his game the entire session, but he eventually had to acknowlegde that Leclerc had the better of him this time around. The former Formula 2-champ was however critical of himself, stating that he just wasn’t able to string the lap together when it mattered.
“I think if you took the second half of my first lap in Q3 and the first half of the second one, it would have been enough. But, yeah, just a couple of mistakes at the end.
“But, you know, credit to Charles. He’s been incredibly quick all weekend. At certain points, I don’t think anyone thought we were going to get close to him.
“So, yeah, nice to be starting on the front row. I feel like it’s been a good weekend in terms of building momentum. And, yeah, what better colors to do it in than these,” Piastri said, referring to the Senna-inspired livery that the McLaren dons this race weekend.
Starting from the front row obviously provides some opportunities, but since overtaking is difficult and track position is key in the principality, Piastri’s best opportunity will come at the start tomorrow.
“A bit of both [strategy and a good start],” the McLaren-driver weighs his options for a win tomorrow. “I mean, a good start always helps. And if you can get into the lead, then you can control it very easily around here.
“So, that’s probably the first goal. And if not, then with strategy. Because, yeah, as optimistic as I want to be, overtaking around here is not easy,” he said with a sense of understatement. Last year McLaren finished ninth and tenth, with Piastri claiming the final point.
“We’ll try our best, but starting from a good spot. And, yeah, chance for a good day tomorrow.”
