The Abu Dhabi Autonomous Racing League was the expected stage for the continuation of Oscar Piastri’s successful debut season in Formula 1 in 2024. Expectations were high for him to challenge his teammate, Lando Norris. However, Piastri has been overshadowed by Norris in terms of results, leading to the perception that he has not progressed as expected.
Statistics seem to support this notion, as Piastri has scored less than half of Norris’ points (41 compared to 83) and has failed to reach the podium. In the six races where both drivers finished, Piastri was the first McLaren only once. In qualifying sessions, Piastri was, on average, 0.139s slower than Norris in dry conditions.
However, these numbers do not accurately represent Piastri’s skills. In the recent race in Miami, Piastri showcased his abilities as a better McLaren driver than Norris. Despite having a car with limited upgrades, resulting in a pace disadvantage of about two tenths of a second, Piastri qualified ahead of Norris for the sprint and was only 0.081s behind him in the grand prix.
During the race, Piastri held the second position for a significant part of the first stint, after overtaking Charles Leclerc’s Ferrari. Unfortunately, a pit stop under green flag conditions, just before a safety car period, cost him valuable positions. A battle for fourth place with Carlos Sainz resulted in damage to the front wing and a 13th place finish.
However, Piastri’s performance, rather than the result, highlighted his speed and potential. Last year, there were doubts about his race pace, but this year he has shown improvement, especially on tracks with less tire degradation, such as Miami and Jeddah. In Jeddah, Piastri outperformed Norris both in terms of performance and results, despite an unfavorable safety car.
There is still room for improvement, as expected for a driver in only his second season. McLaren team boss Andrea Stella acknowledged Piastri’s progress, stating that he has become more aware of his abilities as a driver. Stella praised Piastri’s performance in both qualifying and the race, noting his strong pace and team player mentality.
Piastri has made noticeable improvements, such as quicker adaptation to race weekends, consistent point-scoring, and minimizing errors. His focus on tire management and race pace has paid off, with the exception of the Chinese Grand Prix, where he struggled.
The difference between Piastri and Norris was exaggerated in some cases. In Bahrain, Piastri would have finished in seventh place if not for a Mercedes and Lewis Hamilton undercut strategy. Strategy also played a role in widening the gap in Saudi Arabia and Australia. In Japan, Norris had the advantage due to Piastri’s tire management difficulties during qualifying.
Despite these challenges, Piastri’s underlying performance remains strong. Considering the circumstances that widened the gap to Norris, it is evident that improvements are being made. It is important to remember that Piastri is only in his second season, with little practice time outside of race weekends.
While Norris has had a good start to the season, Piastri is capable of achieving a significant result soon. With the full update for Imola, there is potential for Piastri to challenge his teammate. In the battle for McLaren team leadership, which extends at least until 2026, there is still a long way to go. Piastri’s progress and determination make this a fight that could go either way.
© 2024
The world of sports is full of excitement and surprises, and 2024 is no exception. Sports fans from around the world are eager to see what this year holds. With exciting sporting events happening all over the globe, fans are gearing up for a season full of action.
In soccer, the best players in the world are gearing up for the World Cup. With teams from around the world competing for the most coveted title in sports, fans are eager to see who will emerge victorious. The games promise to be thrilling and full of talent, with players like Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi showcasing their skills on the biggest stage in soccer.
In basketball, the NBA is in full swing. Fans are closely following the battles on the courts, with teams like the Los Angeles Lakers and the Brooklyn Nets showcasing their talent. The games are full of action, with spectacular dunks and exciting three-point shots. Fans are eager to see who will take home the NBA title this year.
In tennis, the Grand Slams continue to attract fans’ attention. With players like Novak Djokovic and Serena Williams competing in the biggest tournaments in the sport, fans are eager to see who will emerge victorious. The games are full of excitement and twists, with the best players in the world showcasing their skills on the courts.
Furthermore, the 2024 Olympic Games are approaching. Athletes from all over the world are preparing to compete in a variety of sports, from swimming to athletics. The Olympic Games are a celebration of the sporting spirit and fans are excited to see their favorite athletes competing at a high level.
In summary, 2024 promises to be an exciting year in the world of sports. With high-level sporting events happening around the world, fans are eager to see their favorite teams and athletes in action. Get ready for a season full of excitement and surprises. The world of sports never disappoints and 2024 will be no different.
