Oscar Piastri Blames One Mistake for Losing Monaco GP Pole to Lando Norris

Oscar Piastri admitted that one mistake ended up costing him pole position against Lando Norris for the Monaco GP.

Oscar Piastri Blames One Mistake for Losing Monaco GP Pole to Lando Norris

Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri (via F1)

Oscar Piastri has established himself as the favorite for the 2025 F1 world championship. The Australian driver defied expectations this year after having an edge on teammate Lando Norris over the first seven races. However, Norris turned things around in Qualifying at the Monaco GP weekend to take pole for the race. Now, Piastri has highlighted the one mistake that potentially cost him pole position.

The Australian driver was right on pace with his teammate over the course of the weekend, with barely much separating the two. But it was Lando Norris who really stepped up in Qualifying. The British driver delivered a stellar lap, claiming the track record and taking pole position. Piastri finished the session in third place, behind local hero Charles Leclerc.

Oscar Piastri admitted that Monaco as a track is always intense, particularly in Qualifying. It is often said that Qualifying in Monte Carlo is more exciting than the race due to the lack of overtaking on Sunday. The 24-year-old pointed out that during his second run, he made a costly mistake at the chicane. This slowed Piastri just enough to lose chances of pole position. Though, he acknowledged that Lando Norris did a great job this time around. The Australian driver could’ve taken pole without the mistake as he was less than two seconds slower than his teammate.

Intense, as it always is around here. My first lap felt good, my second lap – a mistake in the chicane and I left a little out there but to beat Lando today was going to be tough so well done to him.

Oscar Piastri said post-Qualifying

Oscar Piastri admits facing struggles at Monaco GP

The Monaco GP is the crown jewel of the F1 calendar. It is undoubtedly one of the most challenging circuits in the racing world, pushing drivers to the limit with no margin for error. Even the slightest of errors can push a driver right into the wall. Oscar Piastri, who has competed at this track in the past, has admitted that he is still struggling with the nature of the circuit.

Oscar Piastri (via Alamy)
Oscar Piastri (via Alamy)

The McLaren star did not shy away from acknowledging his shortcomings, claiming that he has had a messy run this weekend. Piastri reckoned that qualifying third was a decent result considering his performance so far. The Australian driver joked that he has the walls more times this weekend than his entire racing career, a sarcastic jibe, expressing his frustration.

A messy weekend, so to come out with third is good. I think I’ve hit more walls this weekend than I have my whole career.

Oscar Piastri added

Oscar Piastri recognizes that he failed to take pole for his own shortcomings. The 24-year-old knows that he has some work to do in the race if he wants to be in the battle for victory. Moreover, the tight nature of the track will only make things more difficult with Piastri possibly having to rely on race strategy. As such, it remains to be seen if the Australian driver can take his fifth win of the second on Sunday.

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