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Oscar Piastri's start to the 2024 United States Grand Prix was met with a huge blow after the McLaren driver failed to clear Sprint Qualifying 1 on Friday. A track limits infringement at Turn 19 on his final lap cost him his fastest time, resulting in elimination. This marked Piastri's first SQ1 exit of the season, prompting reactions from fans on social media.
Formula 1 is hosting the 19th race and fourth Sprint of this season at Austin, Texas, this weekend. McLaren with Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri in their wings had arrived with their usual mojo to increase the championship lead.
However, Piastri's failure to make it to SQ2 toughened the situation. His final lap in SQ1 was 1:34:881, which was 0.016 slower than Alpine's Pierre Gasly in P15. He managed to clock a better time, but due to track limits, it was deleted.
The Aussie's elimination from Sprint Qualifying caused disbelief among fans. Concerns arose about Norris' title chances against Max Verstappen, who had qualified on pole. The absence of Piastri, a key teammate, added to these worries.
Below are some reactions taken from X:
"Now he can't help Lando," a fan wrote on Norris' reduced chance against Verstappen after Piastri's debacle.
Another fan summed up the hype on Piastri, "He's so overrated."
"Piastri is so inconsistent it's not funny anymore," another fan wrote.
"Completely unexpected," wrote another fan, sharing his disbelief about the exit.
"It’s so over," another fan wrote on Norris' title battle in a pessimistic tone.
"Rookie mistake," another fan wrote.
Importance of Oscar Piastri in Lando Norris' title battle
Piastri's role in Norris' title bid is crucial. He possesses the qualities Norris needs, but translating that potential into on-track success is essential.
Currently, the Briton is 52 points behind the Dutchman, with six races and three Sprints to go. According to reports, Norris needs to outclass Verstappen by more than nine points every race weekend.
That would only be possible if Norris wins all the remaining races, and Piastri finishes behind him to draw a 10 points gap per race. However, Piastri's SQ1 performance at Austin was a huge blow in this regard which is why fans seemed to be quite disappointed.
