Oscar Piastri wrapped up the Azerbaijan Grand Prix qualifying on Friday (25), feeling pleased with McLaren’s response, though acknowledging the team did not have the pace to challenge for pole with George Russell. The Australian even appeared briefly at the head of the Q3 times early on, but ultimately finished third behind the Mercedes driver and Charles Leclerc.
Russell posted a 1:42.526 around the Baku Circuit, carving out a comfortable margin over his rivals. Piastri trailed by more than eight tenths. The result came even though McLaren had rolled out a new aerodynamic package for Baku. The upgrade aimed to boost low-drag efficiency on the circuit’s long straight sections, but when it counted most, the team could not keep up with Mercedes.
Nevertheless, Piastri found reasons to leave qualifying satisfied: “It was good. In the qualifying session we found a bit of rhythm,” he stated. “This isn’t the first time this year that this happens to us. It seems we slip a little behind in the free practice sessions and then we step into qualifying and find that extra something.”
The opening lap of Q3 had raised hopes for a more balanced contest: “I was quite surprised to see us in first and second after that initial lap of Q3, but unfortunately we didn’t stand a chance against George.”
Even without the pace to keep up with Mercedes in the pole fight, Piastri valued the result. “Happy with how the weekend has unfolded so far. Very happy to be back in the top three.”
