Oscar Piastri optimistic after Canadian GP qualifying session, starts P3
Oscar Piastri Confident Despite McLaren's Struggles Ahead of Canadian Grand Prix
Formula 1 championship leader Oscar Piastri remains hopeful heading into Sunday’s Canadian Grand Prix after a qualifying session that saw McLaren struggling to meet expectations. Team principal Andrea Stella described the weekend as one of "damage limitation," with the Australian driver securing third on the grid, while teammate Lando Norris finds himself starting from seventh.
Russell Takes Pole as Verstappen Joins the Battle
Mercedes' George Russell clinched pole position at Circuit Gilles Villeneuve, marking the team's first pole of the season. Red Bull's Max Verstappen, who has dominated the Canadian Grand Prix since 2021, joins Russell on the front row in what mirrors last season’s qualifying outcome.
Piastri Eyes Sixth Victory
Despite falling slightly off the pace, Piastri, who has already claimed five wins in 2024, is eyeing his sixth victory, a feat that would make him the first Australian to achieve such a milestone in a single campaign. Speaking to the media, he shared confidence in McLaren’s race-day performance:
"Our pace on race days is generally where we're strong," Piastri remarked during the post-qualifying press conference. "These two next to me [Russell and Verstappen] were very quick in the race runs yesterday, so it's certainly not going to be a slam dunk win, but I think we're definitely in the fight."
McLaren Reflects on Missed Opportunities
For McLaren, Saturday’s qualifying felt like a missed opportunity. The session was marked by scrappiness and uncharacteristic errors that left Stella hoping for better fortunes on Sunday. "The picture changes completely for the race, that's what we have to focus on," Stella said in his assessment to Sky Sports. "I think in terms of race pace we should be a bit more comfortable, but let's see. This weekend could be one of damage limitation."
Norris Laments P7 Starting Spot
Lando Norris, meanwhile, lamented his P7 starting position, attributing it to costly mistakes and admitting McLaren didn’t have the dominant pace they’ve shown in previous weekends.
"I made a couple of big mistakes, one hitting the wall on the last lap on the exit of Turn 7 and also the first lap at the final corner. Mistakes that cost me," Norris shared candidly after the session.
"We have not been as quick as usual, and it was maybe not the car to take pole position, but it should have been enough for the top three. It is a very easy track to push 1% too much, and pay the price, and that's what happened today. A podium will be tough because we don't have the pace we have had of the past few races."
Excitement Builds for Canadian Grand Prix
The Canadian GP promises excitement, with rivalries reignited at the front of the grid and McLaren aiming to make up ground. As Piastri fights to extend his championship lead, all eyes will be on Montreal come race day.
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