Piastri survives “strange” end to Miami Sprint Qualifying in P6

Despite only running half of McLaren’s huge upgrade package, Oscar Piastri will lineup ahead of his teammate in sixth for tomorrow’s Sprint Race in Miami.

Piastri, although, not ecstatic with his position for the 19-lap race, managed to out-qualify his teammate around the Miami International Autodrome.

“P6. Not too bad, all things considered,” Piastri said.

“It could have been a slightly smoother run on the Soft tyre but it’s still a decent starting spot for the Sprint.” 

Despite running with a two-tenth deficit to Lando Norris due to the fact that each driver had a different upgrade package — the #4, the full package and the #81, half — the young Australian well and truly brought the fight in the opening stages.

The 23-year-old’s fastest time of the day was a 1:28.161s, three-tenths faster than Norris in P9.

The mandatory soft tyre proved a challenge for both MCL38s in the final 8-minute session, with the duo having topped the timing sheets in SQ1, and nearly doing so again in SQ2 when on the medium compound.

“The tyres seem to be surviving ok, they’re just very hot,” Piastri said.

“I’m not too concerned.”

At the start of the session, Piastri’s first time of a 1:28.637s, saw the Australian temporarily holding the fastest first sector.

He crossed the line 0.038s behind Max Verstappen and notably five-tenths ahead of Norris.

It wasn’t a completely smooth session as he and Valtteri Bottas nearly collided into the apex at Turn 1. 

The Sauber driver wasn’t made aware of the approaching McLaren, turning in on the #81 which left the Australian frustrated and calling for Bottas to be handed a penalty.

The incident is currently being investigated.

Getting back in the grove, it was a McLaren 1-2 as Piastri trailed Norris with a time of 1:28.056s in P2.

SQ2 was not as strong as the opening 12-minute session, with Piastri’s first flying lap, a 1:28.163s, leaving him behind Daniel Ricciardo in P5.

Oscar Piastri on track at the Miami GP. Image: Steven Tee / LAT Images.

He didn’t improve on that lap, however, that wasn’t a concern as the Australian advanced through to the top ten shootout. 

Meanwhile, Norris sat at the head of the order, five-tenths clear of his teammate.

With just 10 cars remaining in the fight for pole position, it was a strategically delayed start to SQ3.

The drivers, anticipating optimal track evolution, remained in their garages for an additional four minutes before filing out.

McLaren joined Ferrari at the back of the pack, being the last duo to leave to pitlane.

As they set off, however, it was a strange revelation that the soft tyre brought the MCL38 down as opposed to giving it more of an advantage.

McLaren completely dropped off on the red-marked tyre, with Norris visibly sliding around on his soft compounds, costing him greatly as he only managed the ninth fastest time.

Piastri wasn’t far ahead in P6, still five-tenths back on Verstappen with his fastest final time of a 1:28.161s.

That time was just two milliseconds quicker than his SQ2 time.

“I think it was just a really, really tricky session for everybody,” Piastri said.

“I don’t know if the track changed a little bit or if we all just thought the soft [tyre] was just going to be a lot better.

“My lap felt pretty terrible and it was P6 so I think everyone must have just had a bad run.

“I think Lando did the quickest lap of the whole qualifying on the medium in SQ2.”

The McLaren pit wall was surprised with the drop off of speed, having brought such extensive upgrades to Miami, for Norris in particular, but Piastri as well. 

The upgrades include:

• A completely revised front wing to aid with downforce reduction
• New front suspension geometry to support the change in airflow
• A revised front brake duct and winglet
• A revised sidepod inlet 
• A completely revised floor to work in conjunction with new sidepod designs
• New bodywork and engine cover
• Updated range of cooling louvres
• Updated rear suspension and rear brake ducts
• New offloaded beam wing design

“A bit strange but I’ll take P6,” Piastri said.

“I think a few cars are a little bit out of position, so it will be interesting to see what we can do tomorrow as the car seems quick. 

“I feel like nobody’s really had much consistency, so yeah, it could be an exciting one tomorrow.

“Even without the full upgrade package we’ve made a step forward, so thank you to the team for getting us to this point.”

The Sprint kicks off at 2:00 AM, Sunday morning, AEST.

2024 Miami Grand Prix schedule 

Saturday, May 4

Practice 1: 02.30-03.30

Sprint Shootout: 06.30-07.14

Sunday, May 5

Sprint: 02.00-03.00

Qualifying: 06.00-07.00

Monday, May 5

Grand Prix: 06.00

Don’t forget the latest issue of Auto Action will be available via subscription here or at selected outlets. For more of the latest motorsport news, subscribe to AUTO ACTION magazine.

Podcast: The untold Senna stories | New look Supercars calendar and more

It is 30 years since Ayrton Senna died at Imola, and our crew goes behind the scenes with untold stories. Plus, where will Adrian Newey go, and is he worth €150 a year?

Plus, NASCAR, IndyCar, WEC, IMSA and Motorsport Australia dump $1m!