Winner of the Qatar Sprint, Piastri admits to having been in difficulty

History will therefore remember that Piastres is still unbeaten in Sprint races in Qatar, having won for the first time in the event last year on the same Losail track. While he had perfectly mastered the event from start to finish fourteen months ago (the 2023 Qatar GP was held in October), this time he was in much more difficulty, holding second position at the last minute against George Russell.

The Australian was helped throughout the event by his teammate. Lando Norris, who started from pole position and adapted his pace at the head of the race to give the McLaren No. 81 a saving DRS against the Mercedes Russell. And at the end of the last corner, Piastri managed to resist the attacks of the n°63, it was he who crossed the finish line as the winner, Norris giving back to his teammate the success that Piastri had given him in Sprint in Brazil, in order to increase his chances of the title at the time. In the Parc Fermé, the one who will finish his second season in the premier category had no trouble admitting his difficulties this Saturday.

“I defended the whole race, honestly! I had a good start, and especially a good first corner. I didn't have the pace to really catch up to Lando after that, and I struggled throughout the race. Without his help, I would have had a much more difficult race. It's good to see the McLarens finish in the top two places.”

A double which allows McLaren to take a little more air in the Constructors' championship against Ferrari. The Woking team can indeed seal its first world crown in this specific ranking since 1998 this weekend, but it will have to maximize all opportunities. This also involves qualifying, which will begin at 19 p.m. French time. In this exercise, Piastri believes he can improve a little compared to Friday, in particular with a few adjustment changes on his McLaren.

“I think I can fight for pole, but it’s very close, there are only a few tenths between the top five or six. There’s not much room for error, but I think we have a chance if we make some adjustments to the car.”

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