Oscar Piastri Takes Risks in Singapore Qualifying

Oscar Piastri is set to start the Singapore Grand Prix from the third row, right beside his McLaren teammate Lando Norris. While it might sound like a harmonious arrangement, team boss Zak Brown would have probably preferred a bit more distance between the two Papaya cars, especially after their collision in Saturday's sprint race cost McLaren eight points. But, as they say, lightning rarely strikes twice. During qualifying, Piastri was indeed 'playing with fire,' skirting perilously close to the walls of Singapore's narrow streets.

Max Verstappen claimed pole position, but McLaren showed some promising moments during the session. Piastri, however, caught the eye of racing driver Alice Cooper, who expressed concern on BBC Sport's live text coverage. "He's playing with fire there," Cooper noted, as Piastri ran wide at the exit of Turns 18 and 19. The track is known for being bumpy in those areas, and Piastri seemed to be wrestling with his car's front end through the final corners.

It's a spot that claimed George Russell earlier in the weekend; he went wide there and met the wall, albeit under wet conditions. With rain potentially looming for race day, Piastri will need to keep those conditions in mind if he wants to avoid a similar fate.

Despite a season that hasn't exactly been one for the scrapbook, Piastri remains determined. He believes McLaren is close to matching Ferrari, and if he's right, the Singapore Grand Prix could witness a fascinating battle for the podium. The key, of course, will be staying on the track and out of the barriers. Just a small detail to keep in mind.