Piastri starts seventh as Norris puts the McLaren on pole

Oscar Piastri qualified seventh, 0.470s behind Lando Norris, who put the other McLaren on pole. The car clearly had the potential to fight at the very front on Saturday, but Piastri did not find the same level in Q3. He will start behind Russell and both Ferraris, in a group where early battles can quickly cost time and tyre life.

The contrast also matters in the standings: Norris has 171 points to Piastri’s 116. One qualifying session is not a final verdict on the two drivers, but Madrid gives Norris a direct chance to extend the gap while Piastri first has to recover into the lead group.