The journey of Oscar Piastri, from a promising rookie to 2023 to one two-time race winner and fourth in the Drivers' Championship in 2024was simply remarkable. The ability of the young Australian to adapt, learn and improve—particularly in managing Pirelli tires notoriously difficult—was a key factor in his rapid rise at McLaren.
2023: A learning curve in the art of racing
In his rookie season, Piastri quickly made a splash with his raw speed, often matching or challenging the highly regarded Lando Norris in qualifying. However, as the race weekends progressed, Piastri struggled to convert that speed into consistent results. Tire management, a critical element of success in Formula 1, proved to be a steep learning curve for the Australian.
2024: A season of growth and triumphs
Let's move forward to 2024and Piastri underwent a spectacular transformation. Not only did he become the best driver at McLarenbut he also won victories in Azerbaijan and Hungaryshowing its ability to dominate both on street circuits and on traditional tracks. Although he admits he has not yet “mastered” tire management, Piastri is candid about the significant progress he has made.
“I don't know if 'mastered' is the word I would use. It’s much better, but not controlled,” Piastri told Motorsport.com.
By proactively learning from his early struggles, Piastri demonstrated the resilience and adaptability needed to thrive in Formula 1.
The Tire Management Challenge
Piastri highlighted how learning to manage tires effectively is a unique challenge in Formula 1, as testing sessions rarely replicate the conditions of a full race.
“In practice, you never really know if it's going to work or not… You can't just hit restart and try again. »
This learning-by-testing approach was painful at times, but also contributed to his remarkable growth. Its improved tire management was evident in 2024allowing it to remain competitive in various racing conditions and deliver consistent results.
The Foundations of Success
The saison 2024 de Piastri wasn't just focused on race victories. Its performance was defined by:
- Consistency: Regular challenge at the front of the grid.
- Adaptability: Quickly learn from past mistakes and turn weaknesses into strengths.
- Calm : Handle high-pressure moments like a seasoned veteran.
To end fourth in the Drivers' Championship in his second year underlines Piastri's immense potential to become a future World Champion.
Looking to the future
With McLaren winning the Manufacturers' Championship in 2024, expectations for 2025 are very high. Piastri's ability to evolve as a driver will be crucial as he prepares for another intense battle, not only with Max Verstappen and other top competitors, but also with his teammate Lando Norris.
If his meteoric rise over the past two seasons is any indicator, Oscar Piastri is well on his way to joining the ranks of Formula 1's elite drivers. One thing is clear: his story is only just beginning. The best is yet to come.
