Young Australian F1 sensation Oscar Piastri had an impressive 2023 season that saw him produce the best rookie season ever in the sport’s history since Lewis Hamilton in 2007. He established himself as the most promising talent on the grid with multiple podiums and a sprint race win. Going into the 2024 season, he feels sharper and more motivated than ever to perform.
McLaren’s team principal Andrea Stella had nothing but praise for the 2023 Rookie of the Year. When comparing Piastri’s performance to that of last year in Bahrain, the team has observed a significant increase in what the Italian refers to as “self-awareness.” This includes knowing where the car’s limit is and where Piastri’s limit as a rookie is.
When asked if Stella’s perspective and observations were correct or not, Piastri couldn’t agree more. According to him, having a comparison experience provides a faster and more accurate baseline for identifying whether the issue is with the car or with you. Additionally, since many things haven’t changed from the previous year, it’s easier to identify the patterns. Lastly, self-awareness improves significantly with a year of experience in any niche.
Also probably at the end of last season, it was a pretty tough few months for everybody. When I came back at the start of this year, and including this test, I've kind of realised just how draining last season was. I feel like I'm a bit sharper again now, and able to be a bit more self-aware. I think that comes with experience, but also just with other things as well. Oscar Piastri said, as reported by motorsport.com.
Oscar Piastri implies the McLaren MCL38 is a car that should be at the apex of the grid
Notwithstanding some minor technical difficulties, McLaren driver Oscar Piastri has stated that the McLaren MCL38 belongs at the front of the Formula One grid. Even though Piastri and Lando Norris did not finish the entire testing session, they saw Red Bull’s RB20 keeping a steady pace and having better tire wear. This could mean that Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez will have a big lead during Grand Prix races this year. Despite Red Bulls’ dominance, Piastri believes that their car at least deserves to be at the front on the grid, while speaking about the same with media he said,
I'd like to think that we're somewhere towards the front of the grid. I certainly don't feel at the moment we're in a position to challenge Red Bull. I'm not sure anyone on the grid particularly feels that way at the moment. But I think we're somewhere towards the front. Without jumping to very early conclusions, just with the past results around Bahrain specifically, and the handling limitations we've had in the past, it is not, on paper, a great circuit for us. Oscar Piastri said, as reported by sportsillustrated.
Piastri predicts a unique season, with changes depending on circuit characteristics, particularly the Tarmac. He believes Red Bull appears to be powerful, but it’s difficult to gauge others’ current positions. According to him, overall, it’s difficult to gauge where others are currently.
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