Post the Fast Six session, which determined the first three rows of the race grid, NBC Peacock’s cameras recorded Herta striding towards pit #28. With hands on his hips, he confronted the sister team to understand why Grosjean’s car was set loose directly ahead of his own.
Herta, who finished the qualifying round in third place, showed clear signs of frustration, while Grosjean – the slowest during the session – seemed to place blame on his strategist.
“Not pleased that… I mean, there are only six cars on the track and they rush out right before me,” expressed a visibly irked Herta. “And they slow down to my speed.
“It has a major aero impact on my car. I simply wanted an explanation. It appears like there was some miscommunication. Had I completed that lap, who could tell the outcome?
“It didn’t kick off great, but the car was gaining pace. I wish we could have had a more intense competition. I’m not unsatisfied with finishing third, but I think it could’ve been avoided.”
Herta ended up qualifying six-tenths behind polewinner Scott McLaughlin from Team Penske, and three-tenths behind Pato O’Ward (Arrow McLaren) who finished second.
Scott McLaughlin, Team Penske Chevrolet
Photo by: Gavin Baker / F1 Flow Images
McLaughlin, who achieved his second consecutive pole in Nashville, believed it was his best qualifying performance in the series yet.
“It’s incredibly rewarding because our performance began to shine from Q1,” he stated. “Managed to drive a strong lap out there.
“We got the chance to do a single lap on our greens [in Q2]. We used them for Q3. My only goal was to ensure we reached the Fast Six, and we did.
“I felt I nailed every lap during qualifying. It was an immensely rewarding session, probably the highlight of my IndyCar career so far.”
Adding to this, O’Ward commented, “I don’t believe I could’ve cut down the three-tenth gap. Maybe one. It was a remarkable lap.
“I’m thrilled with my car’s performance. We were extremely competitive in Q2 [which he topped by a tenth from Herta]. I anticipated Q3 to be a couple tenths slower as it’s not a new alternate.
“I’ve never clinched a win from pole, so starting second doesn’t bother me.”
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