Oscar Piastri convinced he can do better than Ricciardo

On the occasion of the launch of the new MCL60, the drivers, Lando Norris and rookie Oscar Piastri, appeared in overalls. The latter, who is replacing his compatriot Daniel Ricciardo, is confident that he will be able to do a better job than his predecessor.

Logo Mi mini
Rédigé par Par

The Australian champion of F2 and F3 is getting ready to make his debut in Formula 1 with McLaren. Behind the wheel of the car that celebrates the 60th anniversary of the team’s foundation by Bruce McLaren, he will first have to try to integrate himself as best as possible alongside Lando Norris, who will be starting his fifth season with the team based in Woking.

During the launch of the MCL60, he was asked if he had any concerns about finding his bearings, given that the experienced Ricciardo had not been able to do so in the span of two seasons.

I think, firstly, that it is obviously a shame that things did not work out between the team and Daniel, but I personally am not concerned about the lack of experience.

I think that during my junior career, I had to change cars every year – I never drove the same car for more than a year. I think that adaptation is a great strength that you need in junior categories, and I think it has been important in mine.

I think that from this point of view, I am not concerned. I obviously did some tests with the 2021 car and the post-season tests last year with McLaren, so I have an idea of what to expect.

« But I think as a pilot, you always have to adapt; there will always be certain things that may not suit you as well as you would like. You always want more grip and more power! I think there are always limitations, it’s just about how you can work around them. »

No pressure after a sabbatical year.

Previously supported by Alpine and reserve driver for the French team in 2022, Oscar Piastri is once again not worried about not having raced last year.

He says, “I think that when arriving in F1 after participating in any race, there will always be an adaptation period.”

« The cars are much faster, the people I’m going to race against are the best drivers in the world, so whether I have a year off or not, it has always been a challenge.

« I think that in terms of facing off against Lando, there will be natural comparisons, being in the same car, but I believe that we are obviously at very different stages of our careers – Lando is entering his fifth year, I am in my first. »

« I don’t dwell on it too much. I think it will be good to have him as a teammate, he is a good reference. He has obviously established himself as a great Formula 1 driver, and I’m sure I will be able to learn a lot from him. »

Votre commentaire

Vous recevrez un e-mail de vérification pour publier votre commentaire.

Haut
Motorsinside English
Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful.