Oscar Piastri has opened up about the main challenges he has faced in Formula 1 after sitting on the sidelines throughout the entire 2022 campaign..
The McLaren driver joined the team for the start of the 2023 season but was previously appointed Alpine’s reserve driver in 2022 following his title victory in Formula 2.
The Australian driver has also been forced to make do with a McLaren car that is struggling with pace early in the season but nevertheless, Piastri has enjoyed a strong start to his rookie campaign.
The multiple junior single-seater champion out-qualified well-established team-mate Lando Norris in Jeddah before picking up points in Melbourne and Monaco after gliding through the treacherous wet conditions without a scrape.
Piastri’s hiatus from driving in 2022 led to an adjustment period as he got back up to speed in F1. Noting the challenges of the first laps and race starts, Piastri expressed his satisfaction in regaining his rhythm behind the wheel.
“I think firstly, just getting back up to speed after last year,” Piastri said. “Not driving anything last year. I think getting used to first laps and race starts again.
“And being around other cars is always a challenge. So I think that’s been nice to get back into that rhythm.
“I think just, you know, understanding more about the world of F1 and how to structure your weekends properly and, and stuff like that.
“I think in terms of driving as well, obviously, I’ve got you know a very good benchmark in Lando.”
Piastri has continually impressed McLaren. The CEO of Mclaren, Zak Brown, even claimed that the 21-year-old has the potential to become a Formula 1 World Champion with the right car.
In Miami, Piastri rose up the order but was able to expertly nurse a brake-by-wire failure for the remainder of the grand prix, eventually being able to finish the race, albeit outside of the points – but Piastri believes himself and McLaren are making positive progress together.
“I’ve been able to learn a lot about firstly, how to attack my driving but also how to help the team try and move forward as well. And I think we’ve been working together very well on that,” he said.
“So yeah, I’ve also had now a race with no BBW on the car, which was an experience, to say the least.
“But yeah, there’s been a lot of learning and I’m sure it’ll only continue.”
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