Oscar Piastri claims ‘it’s cool’ seeing McLaren’s ‘first 1-2’ in 12 years following the dominant qualifying run in Hungary
Oscar Piastri followed up on Lando Norris and locked a front-row start for McLaren.
Oscar Piastri (via IMAGO)
McLaren has showcased a highly dominant performance in the 2024 season against Red Bull. Milton Keynes is no longer the fastest chassis amidst Woking’s newfound pace. Hence, the team is inching ever closer to the Austrian constructor in the championship standings. Additionally, the Hungarian GP qualifying witnessed a one-two qualifying from Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris.
Lando Norris clinched the pole position for the Hungarian GP with Oscar Piastri following the Briton in a close second. For the first time in the past 12 years, the team has scored a one-two start during the qualifying session. As a result, Piastri noted that it was ‘cool’ to get this result and congratulated the team for achieving this feat after so long.
It's cool to be here, especially when you get a result like this - the first 1-2 for McLaren in qualifying for a very long time.Oscar Piastri said during the post-session interview.
Woking has continued to showcase a great overturn in performance compared to the 2023 season. McLaren is extremely close to overtaking Ferrari in the constructors championship. Regardless, the team had their fair share of issues during the Hungarian GP practice sessions. Hence, Piastri noted that it was nice to ‘bounce back’ after a tricky start to the weekend.
We had a tricky day on my side yesterday so it was nice to bounce back.Oscar Piastri added.
Oscar Piastri: "It's cool to be here, especially when you get a result like this – the first 1-2 for McLaren in qualifying for a very long time. We had a tricky day on my side yesterday so it was nice to bounce back."
— Junaid #JB17 (@JunaidSamodien_) July 20, 2024
Oscar Piastri there’s a ‘long run’ down the first turn to achieve to P1 position
The Hungaroring is an extremely tricky circuit to drive for the drivers. It consists of a mix of slow and medium-speed corners which will test the drivers’ racing mettle. Piastri has continued to perform well and has a great chance to achieve the P1 spot at the start of the race.
Oscar Piastri claimed that the qualifying session wasn’t easy and the decisions ‘off the fly’ helped the team achieve great results. Regardless, there was a ‘long run’ down Turn 1 and the P1 spot was ‘all to play for’.
Qualifying wasn't easy, a lot of decisions on the fly so it's nice to end up where we've ended up. I'm happy with my day's work, and it's a long run down to Turn 1 so all still to play for.Oscar Piastri noted.
McLaren will have to work extremely hard on their strategy for the Hungarian GP to ensure the lead is maintained. Norris has scored the pole positions on multiple occasions and will have a great start to the race. As a result, the two McLaren drivers will have to fend off extremely well against the rivals.
In case you missed it:
- WATCH: George Russell throws peanuts at Toto Wolff during an interview with Nico Rosberg at Hungarian GP
- WATCH: Sergio Perez’ F1 woes continue as he crashes out in Q1 at the Hungarian GP
Aditya Pandya
(1440 Articles Published)