McLaren’s Oscar Piastri delivered a standout performance during the qualifying session for the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, securing a second-place grid slot with what he described as “the best lap I could have done.” The young Australian driver’s comments came after a thrilling session at the Jeddah Corniche Circuit, where he pushed his McLaren to the limit, narrowly missing pole position.
Piastri’s lap time placed him on the front row alongside the pole-sitter, showcasing his growing prowess in his sophomore Formula 1 season. Speaking to the media post-qualifying, the 23-year-old was candid about his effort: “It was a very good lap. Honestly, I don’t think I could’ve extracted more from the car today. It’s nice to be starting P2, but we know tomorrow’s race will be a different challenge.” His remarks reflect a blend of satisfaction and pragmatism, acknowledging the demanding nature of the Jeddah circuit, known for its high-speed corners and minimal margin for error.
The McLaren team has shown competitive pace throughout the weekend, with Piastri and teammate Lando Norris both in contention for strong results. However, Piastri tempered expectations for the race, anticipating a “tough” battle against rivals like Red Bull, Ferrari, and Mercedes, who have demonstrated formidable race pace in recent outings. “Starting P2 is great, but keeping that position will be hard. The race is long, and tire management will be key,” he noted, highlighting the strategic complexities of the 50-lap Grand Prix.
Team principal Andrea Stella praised Piastri’s performance, emphasizing his growth since joining McLaren in 2023. “Oscar’s qualifying lap was exceptional. He’s showing great maturity and speed, and starting from the front row gives us a strong opportunity tomorrow,” Stella said. McLaren’s recent upgrades to the MCL38 car have evidently paid dividends, with the team closing the gap to the leading constructors in the 2025 season.
Posts on X echoed the sentiment of Piastri’s achievement, with fans and analysts alike lauding his precision under pressure. One user described the lap as “a masterclass in commitment,” while another speculated on McLaren’s chances of converting the P2 start into a podium finish. However, these posts also reflect the uncertainty surrounding race day, with some noting the intense competition expected from Red Bull’s Max Verstappen and Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc.