Oscar Piastri admits what he did in qualifying ‘definitely didn’t work’ after Sao Paulo GP Q2 shock

McLaren driver Oscar Piastri admitted that his approach on intermediate tires "definitely didn’t work" after suffering a shock Q2 elimination at the 2026 Sao Paulo Grand Prix qualifying. While teammate Lando Norris secured pole position at Interlagos, Piastri was knocked out in 12th place. Piastri explained that he switched to intermediates too late and tried to use racing lines suited for full wet tires.

Piastri dismissed suggestions that a late red flag triggered by Haas debutant Rafael Camara caused his exit, noting that all drivers faced the same situation. A slide exiting Turn 12 further hampered his final effort, leaving Piastri with back-to-back Q2 exits following the previous weekend in Mexico City.