Oscar Piastri to get elbows out after 'head-scratching' moments for McLaren

Oscar Piastri has vowed to get his elbows out ahead of what could prove to be a captivating fight with Max Verstappen and Lando Norris in the British Grand Prix.

From provisional pole after his first flying run in the final session of qualifying at Silverstone, and wondering how he could improve on his sub-75-second lap of 1:24.995s, Piastri will start from second on the grid following Max Verstappen's stunning lap to oust the Australian by 0.103s.

Piastri will go into the race with Verstappen ahead of him, but also McLaren team-mate Lando Norris behind after the Briton could only manage third in front of his home crowd.

"I was happy with the first lap," said Piastri. "The first lap was mega to be honest. I was trying to think of how I was going to go faster than I did.

"The last lap was a little bit messy, but it's been tight all weekend. I think the first lap was very good. I don't know how much the track would have improved, but a little bit on the table.

"The team's done a great job. We've tried a lot of things this weekend to get a bit more pace. The car's felt mega all weekend, but there have been a few points where we've been scratching our heads as to why we're not quicker.

"So the team's done a great job getting us back onto the form we know, and it can be an exciting race from there."

Asked how tricky it was to go again and find additional lap time following his first flying run, Piastri said: "It's tough, especially when you think it's a good lap.

"You don't want to overdo it and try and go over the limit. I think there were a couple of corners where I was maybe a bit safe on the way in. I tried to make up for it on the way out, and it didn't quite work.

"There are always little bits. It's fine margins, as we know, but ultimately, I'm pretty happy with second on the grid, so I'm looking forward to a fun race."

Asked whether he would get his elbows out, given the two drivers on either side of him, he replied: "Yep, I think so.

"It's going to be a fun race. It's been very evenly matched between us, Max, and the Ferraris. I saw even George [Russell] up there at the end, so it's going to be a pretty evenly paced race.

"All of us have got slightly different strengths. The Red Bull is very quick in a straight line, we seem a bit quicker in the high speed, so it's going to be a fun one."