Oscar Piastri has queried the McLaren run plan that he suspects had a role in him missing out on pole position in Sprint Qualifying at Formula 1‘s Chinese Grand Prix.
Having won the opening race in Australia, McLaren’s status as the team to beat was consolidated as Lando Norris led Piastri in the sole practice session in Shanghai.
However, McLaren was beaten to pole position for tomorrow’s Sprint race as errors from Norris and Piastri enabled Lewis Hamilton to capitalise to put Ferrari on top.
READ MORE – Lewis Hamilton grabs Chinese GP Sprint Race pole
Norris committed mistakes on both of his attempts in SQ3 to be resigned to sixth, while Piastri, who had been on provisional pole, couldn’t improve on his second lap.
Piastri has claimed McLaren’s decision to send both drivers out for two timed runs rather than the singular-lap strategy its rivals employed proved counter-productive.
“I think probably quick at the wrong points of it, unfortunately,” the Australian, who got bumped down to third amid Max Verstappen’s last-gap run to second, reflected.
“Yeah, SQ1 and SQ2 felt good, then SQ3 we tried something a bit different and went out much earlier and tried two laps, which I’m not sure was the best thing in the end.
“But I think it’s something we need to have a look at.
“But the pace in the car is still very strong and I’m still confident to fight from third tomorrow.”
The ‘interesting challenge’ impacting teams in China
Piastri highlighted how the relaid asphalt at the Shanghai International Circuit has added to the complications the drivers have had to contend with upon F1’s return.
“It’s been difficult,” he conceded. “I think with the track surface, it’s got a lot of grip, but it’s peaky.
“I think it’s been pretty tough all day to keep on top of the car.
“Honestly, I think we did a good job of trying to tame it for Sprint Quali, just maybe got the run plan a bit wrong.
“It’s been an interesting challenge, the grip has been a lot better than last season which is nice. But some things we can do better tomorrow.”
READ MORE – Lando Norris laments ‘too difficult’ McLaren after China Sprint qualifying errors
![Alpine Managing Director Steve Nielsen [pictured with Executive Advisor Flavio Briatore] is stern in his belief Mercedes has acted correctly](https://www.motorsportweek.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Alpine-Steve-Nielsen-Flavio-Briatore-360x180.webp)
Discussion about this post