Oscar Piastri admits McLaren ‘didn’t have the pace’ to catch Max Verstappen at the end of Austrian GP Sprint

Oscar Piastri claimed that McLaren could not match Max Verstappen during the ending stages of the Austrian GP Sprint.

Oscar Piastri admits McLaren ‘didn’t have the pace’ to catch Max Verstappen at the end of Austrian GP Sprint

Oscar Piastri [L] Max Verstappen [R] (via IMAGO)

The Austrian GP is the third Sprint weekend of the 2024 F1 season. Max Verstappen headed into the weekend facing stiff competition from Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri. However, the Dutch driver managed to clinch victory in the Sprint with Piastri coming in second place. The Australian driver opened up on his performance after the session.

Oscar Piastri was happy to make up one position in the Sprint. The 23-year-old started from P3 behind teammate Lando Norris. The Australian driver managed to overtake his teammate when Max Verstappen regained the lead of the race. However, Piastri acknowledged that the Woking-based team lacked pace to defeat Verstappen in the ending stages of the Sprint.

Finished 1 point higher than I started. But didn't have the pace at the end.
Oscar Piastri said post-race
YouTube video

The Australian driver mentioned that the team was glad to take over a dozen points from the Sprint. The battle at the front of the grid has become increasing close in recent rounds, where every point could matter. Oscar Piastri claimed that McLaren made a ‘big haul’ of points compared to the rest of the competition.

FS Video
We will definitely take the points, it's a big haul over the other teams around us.
Oscar Piastri stated

McLaren happy for Oscar Piastri’s P2 finish

McLaren Team Principal Andrea Stella mentioned that Piastri drove a great race to secure second place. Stella further highlighted that the Australian driver managed to overtake Norris on-track with pure pace. Certainly, this was an impressive achievement for the 23-year-old.

I think Oscar drove a good race to secure P2 because he achieved it on track.
Andrea Stella said
Andrea Stella
Andrea Stella (via IMAGO)

On the other hand, Andrea Stella commented on Lando Norris’ third place result. Norris was leading the race at one point. However, the Briton found himself being overtaken by both Verstappen and Piastri in quick succession. Stella claimed that Norris simply lost the racing line to his teammate, and this led to him slipping down to P3.

In terms of the battle with Oscar, once he [Lando Norris] lost the racing line, he lost position. It was racing between our papaya cars.
Andrea Stella mentioned

Certainly, McLaren will be hoping to make improvements after losing the Sprint to Max Verstappen. With just a few hours left till Qualifying, the Woking-based team needs to sort out any issues to allow Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris to fight for pole position against the reigning world champion.

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