Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri started the 2023 Spanish GP with high hopes after managing to start from the top ten. Unfortunately, it ended up being a disastrous point-less weekend for McLaren, which Piastri feels gave them a harsh reality check.
Ahead of the race, Norris was the biggest surprise in qualifying on Saturday. He managed to secure a P3 starting position, just behind Max Verstappen and Carlos Sainz. While the McLaren seemingly lacked the pace to hold on to a podium place, Norris was in for a strong points haul. Piastri too, was looking for a decent points finish from P10 on the grid.
Sadly, Norris and Lewis Hamilton came together in the opening lap which forced the former to pit for a new front wing. He rejoined at the back of the grid, but despite his best efforts, could only manage P17. Piastri meanwhile, couldn’t hold on to his position because of the car’s slow pace and finished 13th.
After the race, Piastri, who joined McLaren in 2023, admitted that it was unrealistic for them to contemplate a high-placed finish given the circumstances.
Lando Norris and McLaren’s qualifying highs were very unexpected, says Oscar Piastri
McLaren’s strong performance in qualifying on Saturday was arguably the most surprising thing that took place all weekend. Fans of the papaya outfit were given hope about progress. But realistically, neither Piastri nor the team expected themselves up there.
Talking to Speedcafe, Piastri said, “Yesterday was obviously not to be expected. I don’t think we’re, in normal conditions, able to put the car that high up on the grid.”
That is when Piastri pointed out that McLaren’s performance on Sunday was a better indicator of where the team is currently, performance-wise. Regardless, he left the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya disappointed, as he was looking to score more points.
“Today was maybe a bit more back to reality,” the Melbourne-born driver said. “Probably a more difficult day than what we would have hoped. Even considering that we seem to switch the tyres on very well when it’s cold.”
Norris finished P3 only because others didn’t perform well
Piastri wasn’t the person from McLaren who was pessimistic about the team’s chances on Sunday. Team principal Andrea Stella too, did not expect much from Norris or Piastri. Of course, Norris’ crash in the opening lap spoiled his entire race, but according to Stella, Norris wouldn’t even find himself in that position, had his rivals not underperformed.
“I used it quite extensively because I thought,” Stella began. “As I tried to describe yesterday [Saturday], the conditions were very special, suiting our car exceptionally. Also, some of our competitors just under-delivered. It was just not really representative of the pecking order.”
Norris is currently 11th in the drivers’ standings with 12 points to his name. Piastri, meanwhile, is two places below him with just five points. Both McLaren drivers will be hoping for a much better performance during the next F1 race in Canada in two weeks time.
