Oscar Piastri, the rising star on the Formula 1 circuit, has taken a leaf out of Max Verstappen’s championship playbook, pointing out the significance of seizing early opportunities. This revelation comes on the heels of Piastri’s stunning triumph at the Chinese Grand Prix.
Verstappen’s victorious run in the previous season is a classic example, wherein he bagged seven victories in the first 10 races. Despite facing stiff competition from racing giants McLaren and Ferrari during the latter part of the season, Verstappen managed to clinch the championship with only two more wins in the subsequent 14 rounds.
Piastri’s recent win in China mirrors Verstappen’s strategy, marking his first victory of the season. While the Australian youngster is not entirely fixated on the championship scenario, he acknowledges the critical role early victories can play. He stressed that regardless of the championship duration, it’s crucial to make the most of each race.
Piastri noted, “We saw last year that Verstappen was successful in winning the championship by leveraging his car’s capabilities in the first part of the year. Following that, he was able to maintain his lead by building a substantial gap when he had the chance.”
The young racer also emphasized the unpredictable nature of the sport, where a competitor could gain a sudden edge through an upgrade or a new operating technique. Hence, capitalizing on early opportunities becomes even more essential. However, Piastri is clear that his focus, for now, is not on the championship but on each race weekend.
His recent victory marks his third career win, which he attributes to a strong overall performance over the weekend. He reflected on his journey in Shanghai, where, despite early challenges, he and his team McLaren were successful in harnessing the car’s potential.
Piastri stated, “The satisfaction of crossing the finish line first is unparalleled, but this victory feels even more gratifying. It’s not just about this race, but the entire weekend, which seemed to come together perfectly, making it the most satisfying experience yet.”
He further expressed his gratitude towards his team, which started the weekend with a car that was fast, albeit challenging. The team’s efforts in overcoming these obstacles led to a perfect end to the weekend with a triumphant win.
Piastri’s strategic approach, coupled with his unyielding determination, may well be the formula for his future successes. While it’s early days in the championship, it’s evident that the young racer is on the right track, following the footsteps of champions like Verstappen.