“Be Positive for Once”: Oscar Piastri’s Nonchalant Praise for Max Verstappen at McLaren’s Expense Leaves Fans in Shock

Can Oscar Piastri finally get his first career podium at Spa-Francorchamps? That was one of the headlines in the paddock coming into the Belgian GP this weekend. After McLaren introduced its upgrades over the past few race weekends, Piastri has been on top of the MCL60 and his game. And with Spa being a circuit McLaren has fared fairly well at in the past, it seemed as though Piastri’s performances were building up to a podium at the circuit. But considering what he said after qualifying yesterday, he might not be as optimistic about a podium as Papaya fans are. But what did he say?

Qualifying at Spa on Friday happened under changing weather conditions—it started on a wet track and concluded on a completely dry one. Throughout qualifying, Piastri had the upper hand on his teammate, Lando Norris, and it seemed as though he had one on everyone else on the grid as well. In that period before it got completely dry, Piastri was setting blistering sector times, especially in the second sector. But once it became completely dry in Q3, it fell away from him, and he could only qualify sixth—1.2s behind Max Verstappen on pole.

When asked about his chances and expectations for Sunday, he said, “It’s in a decent spot for Sunday. Obviously, Max [Verstappen] has got a penalty, so we’re fifth on the grid, sixth at Turn 1.” As a result of his fifth gearbox change this season, Max has a five-place grid penalty, because of which he’ll be starting sixth alongside Piastri in fifth. With Max’s quick reactions and the fact that he’s in the fastest car on the grid, Piastri has little hope of staying in fifth after Turn 1. And McLaren fans weren’t too pleased with the Aussie.

Oscar Piastri isn’t “delulu” about his chances against Max Verstappen

After how he’s performed this season, Oscar Piastri has quickly become a favorite among Formula 1 fans, not just for his driving expertise but also for his sense of humor. And this sense of humor is what most fans attributed his comment to. Everyone knows what happened in Hungary when Verstappen wasn’t on pole—he overtook Hamilton for the lead going into Turn 1—and so does Piastri, which is why he isn’t setting any expectations. But his lack of belief left Papaya fans shocked.

One fan urged him to be positive, especially since McLaren isn’t in that bad a situation in Spa. And a podium for the Aussie might still be possible.

Another fan wrote how Verstappen has made every other driver on the grid lose faith in themselves. Another fan sarcastically pointed out the same thing.

Read More: Oscar Piastri Rubs Salt in Lando Norris’ Wounds With 4-Worded Comment After Beating Him on Dreaded Turf

Many fans called him “real” for knowing what would happen and agreed with his statement.

Another fan expressed how Oscar isn’t as “delulu” (delusional) as they are, expecting Piastri to hold off Verstappen.

But one fan basically said how they’d fight for Piastri and ensure they ruin Max’s race.

Who will be ahead after Turn 1? Oscar Piastri or Max Verstappen?

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