Piastri’s lack of experience will not slow down McLaren’s progress, according to Andrea Stella
McLaren will welcome a new recruit in 2023: Oscar Piastri will make his Formula 1 debut with the Woking team, whom he has full confidence in regarding his abilities.
Oscar Piastri made a lot of noise during the 2022 off-season by leaving Alpine to join rival team McLaren for a full-time driver position in 2023. The young Australian prospect has been impressive since his debut in single-seaters, quickly acquiring victories and titles: he consecutively won the Formula 3 and Formula 2 championships in his first few seasons. However, a question persists in the paddocks and the media since the announcement of the arrival of the 2021 Formula 2 champion at McLaren, replacing Daniel Ricciardo: will Oscar Piastri be successful in his first Formula 1 season despite his lack of experience?
A return to the forefront for McLaren.
The English firm has managed to regain competitiveness to fight for the 4th place in the constructors’ championship until the end of the championship, despite a very difficult start to the 2022 season. The Woking team aims to return to the top of the midfield with its new duo of drivers and a car that promises to be more performance-oriented.
Lando Norris is the one who has adapted the best to the temperamental British car, securing a podium finish and dominating the midfield. It will therefore be crucial for the young Australian driver to improve by observing his English teammate who will be his benchmark within the team.
« I think the important point is to have continuity with Lando, he is the reference,” says Andrea Stella to Autosport. « He will also become a reference figure for Oscar. And this is not only in terms of performance, but also for understanding the car.
A significant trust
For his debut in Formula 1, Oscar Piastri will evolve within an imposing structure and there are high expectations surrounding the Australian driver. The entire team still wants to reassure about Piastri’s debut within the team. He can count on the trust of his leaders who see in him significant potential, and they are convinced of the important progress he will be capable of for his first season in the pinnacle of motorsport.
The journey that we want to take with Oscar is a unique adventure. He is certainly very talented. And we want him to use his references, references from the car, even references from what we have learned with Daniel, assures Andrea Stella to Autosport.
We are completely convinced that he will have enough talent, process, intelligence to find his own way by leveraging these references.
