- Piastri says he had some great moments last season
- Star admits the start of the season was difficult
- Aussie is excited about driving for McLaren in 2024
Oscar Piastri has reflected on his ‘brutal’ debut season in Formula 1 with McLaren after originally being announced as Alpine’s driver for 2023.
The 22-year-old Aussie star, who finished ninth overall in the championship after taking a sprint win in Qatar, earned considerable acclaim for his pace, ability, and calmness under pressure.
His decision to reject Alpine and sign with McLaren alongside British racer Lando Norris caused controversy at the start of the season, but ended up being an excellent move.
‘The first part of the season was hard, without question, but the turnaround in the car has been remarkable,’ he told ABC Sport.
‘The desire is strong to get this team back towards the front regularly and I’ve seen that with my own eyes.
Piastri says the first part of the season was hard but the turnaround was remarkable
The Aussie says signing a new deal with McLaren has given him confidence
‘To see the team members from up on the podium and what it means to them having their drivers up there, is a brilliant tonic.’
The Melbourne-born driver delivered in a number of races, notably with his maiden podium in Japan, soon followed by top drives in Qatar where he won the sprint from and was then second in the GP after starting in sixth.
In September, Piastri signed a new deal with McLaren to keep him at the Formula One team until 2026.
‘For the team to show that display of trust in me and push to secure my services until 2026, after just half a season in F1 was massive,’ Piastri said.
‘That has just given me confidence and I can’t wait to spend at least the next three seasons, helping to push the team towards the front of the grid.’
Piastri knows that going into season his second season in F1 next year he has to be more consistent, and he is confident that he can keep improving.
‘The target for next year will be to build on everything that I’ve learnt in 2023 and come back in 2024 a better driver,’ Piastri said.
‘Once the dust has settled on this season, there will be plenty to reflect on and learn from and hopefully take into next season.
Piastri says his target for next season is to be a better driver and get better results
Piastri was the first rookie since Lewis Hamilton to achieve multiple podiums
‘All I can take care of is ensuring that I keep that learning process moving forward and build on the foundations.
‘A rookie season in F1 is brutal as there are so many new variables.
‘The experience of dealing with those new variables for the first time this year should hopefully stand me in good stead in future seasons.
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