Oscar Piastri impressed in his rookie year in F1 as he secured two podium finishes in a strong maiden showing, while earning a reputation for his approach.
Oscar Piastri, the rising star of McLaren, has shared his motivations and journey as he made a name for himself in Formula 1 during his debut year. The talented Australian driver impressed everyone with two podium finishes, which led to speculations about a potential move to Red Bull.
In the 2023 season, the 22-year-old sensation secured a commendable ninth place in the Drivers’ Championship standings. His remarkable second-place finish at the Qatar Grand Prix showcased his immense potential. Just a month earlier, he also achieved his first-ever podium finish at the Japanese Grand Prix.
Piastri, hailing from Melbourne, consistently displayed his resilience on the track, earning praise for his unwavering performances. One notable incident in Austin saw George Russell receiving a penalty for failing to overtake Piastri and instead going off the track. In another instance in Mexico, Yuki Tsunoda’s car spun out as he tried to pass Piastri from the outside. These incidents highlighted Piastri’s commanding presence on the circuit.
The former FIA F2 and F3 champion’s determined approach garnered admiration, and he emphasized the importance of earning the respect of his competitors.
In an interview with Motorsport.com, he discussed whether he had been underestimated by his peers in the past, taking a philosophical approach to the matter. He explained, “Not really. Respect plays a part, and I believe in racing others the way I want to be raced.”
“I always strive to race people with intensity, yet fairness. It’s crucial to demonstrate early on, whether it’s at the start of a season or the beginning of your career, that you’re not someone to be taken lightly. It’s not a pleasant position to be in.”
“I don’t consider myself excessively harsh or aggressive,” the rising star added. “During my junior career, a significant factor in my championship wins was avoiding trouble and maintaining consistency.”
“There’s a saying that holds true – sometimes it’s more important to finish the race and make a mistake than to be right about something and end up out of the race. That’s a principle I’ve always tried to uphold. But my aim has always been to race hard, yet fairly.”
Last year, Eddie Jordan, the former owner of an F1 team, speculated that Red Bull Racing could potentially recruit the Australian driver in the future. Jordan explained that this move could happen because the young driver is managed by his former partner, Mark Webber, who successfully got him into McLaren.
Furthermore, Jordan hinted that there might be a seat available at Red Bull, where Webber used to be. As a leading F1 analyst, he also suggested that Team Principal Christian Horner might have his eyes on this talented youngster. So, it wouldn’t be surprising if Piastri’s name starts appearing in the public eye in the near future.
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