Oscar Piastri took pole position for the Sao Paulo Grand Prix Sprint, and McLaren F1 looks set to dominate the weekend in Brazil. The Australian driver is happy to have made significant progress during the qualifying session for the 100 kilometer race which will be held tomorrow.
“It was a difficult session, I was comfortable at the start and the grip improved throughout the session. With this track it’s difficult to see where you are going, and even more difficult to do a fast lap. C “It’s a challenge, but I’m happy to be on pole in the Sprint” Piastri said.
“My first lap wasn’t great, there were several places where I knew I could improve. The second lap was good, the tires held up, so I’m very happy and I’m looking forward to starting the Sprint in the lead. “
“I’m going to try to win, obviously, that’s the priority. But it will be a different Sprint than last year with the resurfacing. We’ll see what happens with the temperatures and the weather, but we will try to keep it as it is.”
Piastri ready to help Norris in Sprint
The Australian was open to the idea of leaving the Sprint victory to Norris if it could help his teammate score an extra point: “We’ll see what the pace is tomorrow for both of us. I think first and second place is the main goal.”
“Then we’ll see in what order. I know I’m not in the race for the driver standings, for the team it doesn’t matter, so I know it is and we’ll see. “
“So I know that’s the case and we’ll see. I said I would give up winning from the start of our discussions. It would be nice to win, but it’s a point of difference and it’s not not the main race, so we’ll see.”
“Lando needs the points in the drivers’ standings much more than me, but of course I always want to win. If I put in the effort and show good pace, I’m sure it won’t go unnoticed, but we’ll see GOOD.”
Norris ‘hates’ championship questions
Lando Norris dominated throughout the day but saw his teammate pass him at the end of SQ3 and he did not finish his second fast lap, but he is happy with his pace: “Yes, we have made a lot of progress compared to the start of the day when we were in difficulty. It’s a surprise to be so fast, but it’s obviously pleasant.”
“I made a mistake on my last lap and I came home. We worked well with the team and it’s a good surprise. We took good steps forward, I’m happy with this day but we’ll see tomorrow.”
Asked about his battle against Max Verstappen and the Dutchman’s fourth place on the Sprint grid, Norris indulged in a criticism of the questions he is asked on this subject, and the fact that they are asked too often.
“I don’t care, I hate these questions! I’m just going to run, I don’t care where he qualifies, I’m focusing on my job. It’s the same question every time but it doesn’t matter. It doesn’t matter if it’s first or last, I concentrate on my work.”
