P1racenews AI automatic summary:
McLaren drivers reckon they had pace for second row amid tight Bahrain F1 grid
Norris and Piastri showed strong one-lap pace, but struggled to maximize their performance in Q3, finishing seventh and eighth behind Verstappen. Norris mentioned the changing wind conditions affecting his lap time, with both drivers acknowledging their qualifying mistakes as costly. Despite the challenges, both drivers remained positive about their potential for the 2024 season. McLaren is optimistic about their race pace and competitiveness amidst a closely matched grid, focusing on strategic opportunities for progress. Piastri highlighted Bahrain’s overtaking possibilities and emphasized the importance of tire management and strategy in the upcoming race.
