McLaren s Oscar Piastri takes pole position for Chinese Grand Prix

SHANGHAI – McLaren’s Oscar Piastri was “pumped” as he took the first proper pole position of his Formula One career in China on March 22 with the fastest lap yet around the Shanghai International Circuit.

The Australian, who has had sprint poles before, was joined on the front row for the main race on March 23 by Mercedes’ George Russell. The Briton was 0.082sec behind.

Piastri’s teammate Lando Norris, the winner of the season opener in Australia and leader of the drivers’ championship, abandoned his final effort and will start in third place with Red Bull’s reigning champion Max Verstappen in fourth.

Ferrari filled the third row, with Lewis Hamilton securing fifth after winning the earlier sprint race and teammate Charles Leclerc in sixth.

“I found a lot of pace in Q3. Q1 and Q2 I was genuinely struggling and the car came alive, I came alive in Q3. The laps were a little bit scruffy but I’m just pumped to be on pole,” Piastri said.

“I was pretty happy after the sprint (finishing second). We did the most we could. I would have been happier with one spot higher, but with how the race turned out I couldn’t have asked for much more.

“I feel like we learnt a lot and I’m looking forward to putting that into use tomorrow.”

McLaren chief executive Zak Brown was especially pleased for the 23-year-old, as his team look strong in the defence of their constructors’ championship title with Piastri matching up to Norris.

“It’s awesome to have Oscar get his first pole. He’s been close, a lot of front rows, and that was a mega lap,” he said.

Norris was not as thrilled, however.

“Always disappointed if I’m not on pole but Oscar deserves it today. He’s done a very good job