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

In a stunning display of skill, young star Oscar Piastri delivered a crushing blow to his teammate Lando Norris, leaving fans in awe. But it wasn’t just out-qualifying that made headlines; it was the four simple words that followed the race that added salt to Norris’ wounds.

The showdown took place at the qualifying of the infamous Spa-Francorchamps, known for its treacherous conditions and relentless challenges. Norris, who had suffered a horrific crash at the same venue last year, had been hoping for redemption. However, Piastri’s comment showcased his confidence, perhaps even bordering on nonchalance, in the face of the dreaded turf.

When asked about the race, the young Australian driver humbly acknowledged the tricky conditions he faced. As the track began to dry up, Piastri encountered a unique predicament – he had never raced an F1 car around Spa in the dry before. This unfamiliar territory presented a real obstacle, especially when it came to knowing the precise braking points. But it was this challenge that truly separated the contenders from the pretenders. Piastri’s comfort on the daunting track was evident, and he deftly navigated every turn and straight with apparent ease. Out-qualifying his teammate, Norris with a 1:47.365 timing, securing a sixth place grid start (promoted to 5th after Max  Verstappen’s 5-place grid penalty), just 3/10ths off of Norris, who will start seventh. While other drivers struggled to find their footing, Piastri was in his element.

His remark, “I felt very comfortable,” may have been brief, but its impact was colossal. It hinted at the young driver’s extraordinary adaptability and composed demeanor during one of the most nerve-wracking Formula 1 tracks.  For Norris, it was a bitter reminder of the obstacles he still needed to overcome.

Read More: Days After Emerging as Zak Brown’s Choice, Oscar Piastri Confesses to Fear of Unchartered Territories

As the season progresses, fans are sure to keep a close eye on this new rivalry, eager to witness more intense battles between the two drivers.

Oscar Piastri and the Quest for a Maiden Podium: Overcoming Challenges of Being a Rookie

Piastri narrowly missed his chance for a podium finish at the British Grand Prix but remains determined to secure his first podium appearance this season. Despite showing impressive performance in Silverstone and Hungary, Piastri’s dreams of a top-three finish were thwarted by strategic challenges and tough competition. Reflecting on the races, Piastri admitted as per a Fox Sports Australia article, that coming away without a trophy was disappointing, especially after being so close to the podium at Silverstone. He felt he had executed well in Budapest initially but faced difficulties with the pace and suffered damage later in the race.

However, the talented rookie remains optimistic about his chances. He acknowledged that McLaren‘s recent upgrades have made them strong contenders, and he knows his first podium is within reach. Piastri emphasized that he wants to make the most out of each race and continue to learn from his experiences.

Having completed more than half of his debut season in Formula 1, Piastri has impressed observers with his pace and competitiveness. Despite some rookie mistakes, he rates his performance at a solid 7.5 out of 10 and aims to keep improving.

He said, “Out of 10, I’m going to say 7.5. There have definitely been races that have been below seven, and there have been some races that have been above seven, so I feel like on average obviously it’s about 7.5; There have been some moments that I wish I could have had again, which I guess is bound to happen in every rookie season, and some moments I have been very proud of as well.”

He feels the experience gained from being an Alpine reserve driver last year has served him well. As McLaren’s performance continues to improve, Piastri is eager to maintain the momentum heading into the Belgian Grand Prix. The team’s recent successes have fueled their ambition to challenge for race wins soon. Piastri remains focused on extracting the most from the MCL60 and ensuring they have another strong weekend before the mid-year break.

With fierce competition from other top teams, Piastri knows the road to the podium won’t be easy. However, his determination and commitment to learning and growing as a driver will undoubtedly keep him on the hunt for that elusive first podium appearance.

Watch This Story: How Oscar Piastri Has Made a Scintillating Rise to the Pinnacle of Motorsport