Oscar Piastri delivered an impressive performance in qualifying for the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, securing a front-row start alongside his McLaren teammate, Lando Norris. However, the Australian was left lamenting a missed opportunity for his first career pole position, admitting minor mistakes cost him the top spot.
A Near-Perfect Lap
Piastri finished just two-tenths behind Norris after a tight battle for pole. While satisfied with his second-place result, the rookie-turned-contender was candid about areas where he felt he left performance on the table.
“There’s a couple of corners that I definitely would like to have again,” Piastri said in the post-qualifying press conference. “That’s how it is at the top end of the sport. You can’t leave anything there because you’ll get eaten alive, and I unfortunately did that today.”
Track Limits Drama
Piastri’s Q3 session wasn’t without drama. His initial lap was deleted for a track limits breach at Turn 1 but was later reinstated just as he headed out for his final run. While he ultimately improved on that time, the uncertainty played on his mind.
“It didn’t help, but I knew going out that my lap was back on the board,” Piastri said. “I still needed more to go for pole, and I found a bit more, just not quite enough. It was a slightly stressful few minutes, but I didn’t dwell on it too much.”
Turn 1 Costs Him Pole
Reflecting on his final lap, Piastri revealed that he unintentionally left extra margin at Turn 1, costing him valuable time. The decision wasn’t deliberate, but it proved decisive in his quest for pole.
“I lost a decent amount of time through Turn 1, which was a shame,” he explained. “Knowing my first lap was so close to being deleted, I probably gave a little bit more margin than I wanted to. If it hadn’t been taken away and then given back, maybe I would’ve been more aggressive.”
Despite the setback, Piastri emphasized the importance of playing within the rules: “It’s the same rules for everybody, so I’ll just take P2.”
Piastri’s Rise to Contention
Piastri’s front-row start underscores his meteoric rise in his debut season. His ability to compete toe-to-toe with his seasoned teammate and the dominant McLaren package demonstrates his growing confidence and precision under pressure.
“Being on the front row is still a great result,” Piastri noted. “The car has been fantastic, and I feel like I’m learning with every session.”
Looking Ahead to Race Day
Starting second gives Piastri a strong shot at challenging for his maiden Formula 1 win. With McLaren locking out the front row and showing superior pace all weekend, the Australian is poised to play a pivotal role in securing the team’s Constructors’ Championship victory.
While Norris may hold the upper hand in the qualifying duel, Piastri is ready to capitalize on any opportunity: “It’s all about the race now. We’ve got a strong car, and I’ll do everything I can to make the most of this position.”
The Abu Dhabi Grand Prix promises to be a spectacle, with Piastri and Norris leading the charge for McLaren as they aim to close out the 2024 season in style.