Oscar Piastri declared that he felt \u201cmuch happier\u201d again at the wheel of the McLaren MCL39, as he qualified third for the Brazilian Grand Prix Sprint.<\/p>\n
Australia\u2019s F1 2025 title hopeful has suffered an alarming slump in form over recent weekends, but having largely returned to the pace of McLaren teammate Lando Norris at Interlagos, Piastri<\/a> declared that he \u201ccan definitely fight\u201d with the McLaren package which he has underneath him this weekend.<\/p>\n Oscar Piastri: \u2018Felt much happier than last couple of weeks\u2019<\/p>\n After the Dutch Grand Prix, it appeared as though Piastri was marching towards his first world championship win. With victory, and a late retirement for Norris, Piastri opened up a lead of 34 points at the top of the standings.<\/p>\n Yet, Norris clawed his way back into the title picture, as uncharacteristic errors crept in for the previously unflappable Piastri, as well as a drop in performance.<\/p>\n But, Piastri started out much stronger in Brazil, falling just 0.023s short of Norris in the sole practice session. Norris would claim pole for the Sprint, but Piastri was able to secure the P3 grid slot, making himself a contender on Saturday.<\/p>\n Crucially, Piastri also rediscovered his confidence.<\/p>\n \u201cThe soft just was a bit different to what I expected,\u201d he admitted after qualifying third. \u201cA couple of big moments on my first lap, which wasn\u2019t ideal. That was a bit of a shame.<\/p>\n \u201cBut ultimately, I felt much happier today than the last couple of weeks.<\/p>\n \u201cPractice went very well, I think. Sprint qualy, changed a few things, which took a little bit of getting used to again. But, yeah, ultimately, pretty happy. Would have liked a little bit more, but we can definitely fight with what we\u2019ve got, and it\u2019s obviously a lot more points on Sunday.\u201d<\/p>\n Latest Brazilian GP talking points via PlanetF1.com<\/p>\n \ud83d\udc49 Lewis Hamilton spared grid penalty as FIA reach Brazilian GP verdict<\/a><\/p>\n \ud83d\udc49 Max Verstappen paints bleak Red Bull picture as \u2018broken\u2019 comment explained<\/a><\/p>\n While Grand Prix Sunday looks set to take place under dry conditions, Saturday could be anything but.<\/p>\n A severe weather warning has been issued, creating the potential for a wet Sprint and qualifying for the main race.<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s going to be an interesting day,\u201d said Piastri as he looked ahead to Saturday. \u201cLet\u2019s see what weather we get.<\/p>\n \u201cBut yeah, I\u2019ll try and take whatever opportunities there are. I think the pace in the car has been really good today, so hopefully that translates to whatever we get.\u201d<\/p>\n Piastri is just one point behind his McLaren teammate and championship leader<\/a> Norris going into the Brazil Sprint.<\/p>\n