Piastri appeared to be heading for a quiet first season with McLaren due to the team’s failure to meet their goals in developing their 2023 car. This setback put them at a disadvantage at the beginning of the season.
The MCL60’s shortcomings resulted in the Australian driver only earning five points in the initial nine races. Likewise, Lando Norris, the experienced teammate, struggled to achieve consistent results with the relatively inefficient and challenging-to-handle vehicle.
But McLaren’s summertime B-spec, which was rolled out across the final races before the break, turned the tide for the team and also allowed Norris and Piastri to grab headlines.
Norris achieved two second-place finishes in Britain and Hungary, which helped the team move up to fifth place in the standings. Piastri also secured his first-ever top-three finish in Formula 1 during the Saturday sprint of the Belgian Grand Prix.
Piastri acknowledged that his Spa outcome seemed quite unattainable when the year began, as he reflects on his initial half-season in the series.
Piastri expressed his belief that prior to the season, there was a possibility of certain conditions leading to a few cars not finishing.
“After starting the season, it seemed highly unlikely that we would have the opportunity to compete for a top three position. However, it is truly impressive that we have managed to consistently achieve this for the past three weekends.”
“It has been an incredible experience for me, without a doubt. It is truly motivating to know that you have the ability to perform well and have a car that can secure a top three position.”
Oscar Piastri, McLaren MCL60
Photo by: Erik Junius
However, the humble newcomer is not relying solely on his initial triumph in F1 and acknowledges that his impressive performance at Spa does not alter the reality that he still has much to learn in order to maximize both his own abilities and the potential of the car.
“I believe it doesn’t significantly alter my objectives,” he clarified. “I consistently strive to maximize my potential.”
“I have a lot more to learn and I am still catching up with certain things, so in that regard, it doesn’t make a significant difference.”
“When you have the opportunity to receive a trophy or a sprint plaque, it’s quite enjoyable. Therefore, I hope we can obtain more of these and continue making progress.”
Piastri expressed satisfaction with the progress of his first season, but acknowledged that rectifying errors was a top priority.
When asked to evaluate his first six months in F1, the 22-year-old responded, “I am content with my current situation and believe that my season has been mostly positive.”
I believe there have certainly been errors or instances I would like to redo, but looking back, it is quite simple to express such thoughts.
I am content with my current driving skills, although there is still ample room for improvement and much more to learn.
“I am fortunate to have a highly skilled teammate from whom I can learn. Simply by setting a high standard, they greatly assist me in regaining my proficiency. Therefore, I am content with my current situation.”
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