
Two hours into the session, Oscar Piastri has wasted no time in making a statement. The Australian driver has surged to the top of the timesheets with an impressive early benchmark.
Piastri clocked a 1:33.469 lap, setting the pace for the rest of the field to chase. It’s a strong marker at this stage, signaling both confidence and competitiveness.
As the track continues to evolve, that time will serve as the reference point for rivals looking to close the gap. Early benchmarks often shape the rhythm of the session, and this one certainly raises the bar.
While there is still plenty of running left, laying down such a lap so early sends a clear message. It demonstrates sharp preparation and an eagerness to control the narrative from the outset.
With more laps to come and conditions likely to improve, the question now is who can respond. For the moment, Piastri sits firmly at the top, setting the standard for everyone else.