McLaren’s MCL39 proved twitchy over Monaco’s bumps as Oscar Piastri crashed and Lando Norris eyes gains ahead of Grand Prix qualifying.
Oscar Piastri admitted to having a “very chaotic” start to the Monaco Grand Prix weekend after a crash in free practice.
After setting the fifth fastest time in the first free practice session, Piastri ended the day in second place, with a slight crash at Sainte Dévote.
Piastri Surprised by Leclerc
However, he was surprised to see Charles Leclerc at the top of the timesheets. Ferrari’s one-lap pace has been a notable weakness this year – neither of its drivers reached Q3 at Imola last week.
“It’s tricky! The day was eventful and I hit the wall at Sainte Dévote. When everything is in hand, the pace is pretty good but the car is nervous over the bumps in that section. I went straight and luckily only broke the front wing.”
“It’s not that simple, so there are things to watch out for, especially for me, the day was very eventful. I’m going to try to reset, because the car is on good pace.”
“Ferrari looks much stronger than before. But today was rather messy on my side, because I was quite nervous.”
Norris Eyes Overnight Gains
Lando Norris was fourth fastest of the day, almost three tenths behind his teammate.
“There’s still work to do on the car, which is a bit too nervous and stiff over the bumps.”
“I wasn’t fully confident when it came time to push. Ferrari seems to have found some answers as their progress in the slow corners is spectacular.”
“I’m not worried for now, I feel I can find the tenths I’m missing and get back ahead tomorrow. We’re going to work on a plan tonight for tomorrow.”
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