Oscar Piastri believes his podium at the Monaco Grand Prix shows that McLaren is no longer dependent on high-speed Formula 1 tracks to compete at the sharp end.
McLaren completed a remarkable comeback last term as it went from struggling to even score points to a consistent front-runner during Piastri’s debut F1 campaign.
However, McLaren was reliant on venues with high cornering speeds to thrive such as Suzuka and Qatar, where Piastri claimed his maiden podium and Sprint victory.
But the Woking-based squad introduced developments in Miami that boss Andrea Stella revealed over-delivered on expectations concerning slow-speed performance.
McLaren’s upgraded MCL38 excelled around the tight Monte Carlo streets last weekend as Piastri converted second place on the grid to take his first podium in 2024.
With team-mate Lando Norris coming home in fourth, the Australian reckons that McLaren’s encouraging showing bodes well for its prospects in the remaining races.
Asked whether McLaren can now head to to each round optimistic irrespective of the circuit configuration, Piastri responded: “I think so.
“I think it’s been three very different circuits in the past three races, and we’ve been competitive at all of them.
“Miami was probably one of our worst circuits before this year. Imola has always been kind to us, but we had a very strong weekend there.
“Let’s say our car’s never been the strongest in the slow corners, and this weekend we’ve been very quick again. So I think we can be confident wherever we go.
“I feel like we don’t have to rely on the high-speed circuits like we did last year to get our results, which is a very exciting thing to have going forward.”
The past weekend saw Ferrari edge out McLaren to take the spoils as Red Bull encountered trouble, with the improving Mercedes squad sandwiching Max Verstappen.
Piastri thinks four teams harbouring the potential to claim pole position showed the grid is as close as it has been since F1’s return to ground effect cars back in 2022.
“I think the pecking order is as tight as it’s ever been, especially this weekend,” the Australian continued.
“Going into qualifying, I think we thought that there could be any one of four teams on pole, which I don’t think we’ve been able to say for a while.
“So, I think we can definitely be in the fight every weekend.”
McLaren bolstered its grip on third place in the Constructors’ Championship with another huge points haul but continues to be 68 points behind second-placed Ferrari.
