Oscar Piastri, McLaren MCL38
Despite ending the 2023 Formula 1 season on a positive note, with their car being considered the second fastest after Red Bull, McLaren had a less convincing start to their 2024 campaign.
The team only achieved one podium in the first four races, with Lando Norris securing third place in Melbourne. This race was unique as both Red Bull cars were out of contention, with Max Verstappen retiring due to brake issues and Sergio Perez facing a grid penalty and car damage.
In Suzuka, McLaren’s MCL38 was expected to perform well due to the high-speed initial sector of the track. However, Ferrari outperformed the team and Norris couldn’t hold onto his third place position in the standings.
As McLaren heads to Shanghai this weekend, they anticipate a challenging race. The characteristics of the MCL38 are not suited for the Chinese track, and the lack of recent data since the last race in 2019 further complicates their preparations.
The Chinese Grand Prix marks the first Sprint weekend of the 2024 season, meaning there will only be one practice session. This presents an additional challenge for teams to overcome.
McLaren team principal Andrea Stella acknowledged the difficulties they may face in their race preview. He emphasized the need to maximize their efforts during the limited practice session to gather as much data as possible. The unpredictable weather and lack of data for all teams could create both opportunities and challenges.
Despite knowing the areas they need to improve, McLaren is determined to give their best and strive to be competitive once again this weekend.
Norris afirmou: “It’s been a while since we competed in Shanghai, so I’m looking forward to our return. Our previous race presented some challenges, but we still managed to secure additional points. We took the opportunity to review our experiences and prepare for the upcoming weekend,” reflecting on our performance in Japan. “The Sprint weekend will bring a new level of excitement with its various sessions. Although this is not an ideal circuit for us, we are fully prepared to give our best once again,” concluded the British driver.
Oscar Piastri faces the additional challenge of racing on an unfamiliar track this weekend, as he noted: “I’m excited to take part in the Chinese Grand Prix for the first time. The Shanghai International Circuit is completely new to me,” he emphasized. “Given that it is the inaugural Sprint weekend of the season, it will be crucial to maximize the first practice session to familiarize myself with the track. Although I have simulated the circuit at the MTC, being on the actual track is a different experience. I hope we can accumulate more points for the team and enjoy a successful weekend,” concluded the Australian driver.
© 2024
