Monaco Grand Prix: Piastri and Norris Eye Competitive Edge After Challenging Practice Sessions
Oscar Piastri, the current Formula 1 championship leader, expressed confidence in McLaren’s potential to challenge for pole position at the Monaco Grand Prix, contingent on a productive recovery from a tumultuous Friday. Despite a near-miss when he collided with the tire wall at Sainte Dévote early in the second free practice session, Piastri managed to secure the second-fastest time of the day.
Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc dominated both practice sessions, finishing first in each, while Piastri recorded fifth in FP1 and his teammate Lando Norris placed third and fourth in the respective sessions. Leclerc’s swift performance surprised many, prompting Piastri to assert that McLaren can regain its competitive standing as the weekend progresses.
“It’s been a bit up and down,” Piastri commented. “When we get everything together, the pace is quite good. It’s just finding that rhythm that’s proving challenging. Tomorrow will be an interesting day.”
Norris echoed similar sentiments about the adjustments needed for the McLarens. “We need to progress in some areas. It’s small fixes, but when you’re dialing in hundreds here and there, those small things add up," he said. “It’s about getting the braking, cornering, and tire grip into the perfect window. There isn’t just one answer.”
As teams prepare for qualifying, McLaren aims to fine-tune its setup and leverage its favorable pace heading into the iconic street circuit.
