'Second isn’t bad,' Oscar Piastri aims to win the Italian GP from P2 after McLaren lock out the front row

However, the Aussie was pipped by a single tenth in the Q3 shootout.

Starting a bit further up the front compared to last year is good for myself. Let's see what the tyres do. It's a long run to turn 1, so starting second isn't bad. Oscar Piastri said in the post-qualifying interview

Despite this, Piastri claimed it was an improvement from his P7 qualifying last year. He then glanced over how the tires might work out during the race as the track has been resurfaced. The Australian further explained that he would be utilizing the slipstream towards the run to turn one and make a bid for the lead which could translate into a victory down the line.

Would Oscar Piastri be forced to follow team orders if he pounces past Lando Norris?

Norris currently trails Max Verstappen by 70 points in the drivers’ standings. Though the gap might seem unsurmountable in a normal season, Verstappen and Red Bull have been battling the RB20 in recent times. Moreover, with the Dutchman qualifying down in P7, a debate inside the paddock has raged on whether is it the right time to assert driver roles within McLaren.

After the qualifying session at Monza, Zak Brown retained secrecy around the pressing issue.

Now how we see things play out, we will do things behind closed doors. Zak Brown said in a post-qualifying interview

The American asserted that the team would formulate plans and hold meetings to ensure that both drivers were on the same page. While Brown remained secretive about sharing the details, fans speculate that if the British driver leads into turn one, Piastri would be instructed to act as a buffer between Norris and the chasing pack.

On the other hand, McLaren has been working hard to improve its position in the constructor’s standings. Moreover, their hard work could pay off tomorrow if the English team scores a 1-2. The Woking-based outfit could overtake Red Bull in the constructors championship if their rivals have a mediocre race.