McLaren’s rising star Oscar Piastri made Formula 1 history on Saturday, claiming his maiden career pole position at the Chinese Grand Prix in Shanghai. The 22-year-old Australian delivered a blistering lap of 1:30.641 at the Shanghai International Circuit, edging out Mercedes’ George Russell by 0.082 seconds in a nail-biting qualifying session.
Piastri’s achievement marks the first pole by an Australian driver since Daniel Ricciardo in 2018 and makes him the 107th different pole-sitter in F1 history. “The laps were a little bit scruffy, but I’m just pumped to be on pole,” said Piastri, who aims to convert his front-row start into strong championship points after a disappointing ninth-place finish in Australia.
Mercedes’ Russell secured second place with a last-minute push, while McLaren teammate Lando Norris aborted his final lap and will start third. Four-time world champion Max Verstappen of Red Bull qualified fourth, with Ferrari’s Lewis Hamilton completing the top five following his sprint race victory earlier in the day.
The result showcases McLaren’s growing competitiveness, with team CEO Zak Brown praising Piastri’s “mega lap.” Sunday’s race promises intense battles as drivers navigate Shanghai’s technical layout, with weather forecasts adding uncertainty to strategies.
