Oscar Piastri’s journey from a promising rookie in 2023 to a two-time race winner and fourth in the Drivers’ Championship in 2024 has been nothing short of remarkable. The young Australian’s ability to adapt, learn, and improve—especially in managing the notoriously tricky Pirelli tyres—has been a key factor in his rapid rise at McLaren.
2023: A Learning Curve in Race Craft
In his rookie season, Piastri quickly made waves with his raw pace, often matching or challenging the highly-rated Lando Norris in qualifying. However, over the course of race weekends, Piastri struggled to convert that pace into consistent results. Tyre management, a critical component of Formula 1 success, proved to be a steep learning curve for the Australian.
2024: A Season of Growth and Triumphs
Fast forward to 2024, and Piastri has undergone a dramatic transformation. Not only did he become the better racer at McLaren, but he also clinched victories in Azerbaijan and Hungary, showcasing his ability to dominate on both street circuits and traditional tracks. While he admits he has yet to “master” tyre management, Piastri is candid about the significant strides he has made.
“I don’t know if ‘mastered it’ is the word I would use. It’s much improved but not mastered,” Piastri told Motorsport.com.
By proactively learning from his early struggles, Piastri has demonstrated the resilience and adaptability needed to thrive in Formula 1.
The Challenge of Tyre Management
Piastri highlighted how learning to manage the tyres effectively is a unique challenge in Formula 1, as practice sessions rarely replicate the conditions of a full race.
“In practice, you never quite know if it’s going to work or not… You can’t just push restart and try again.”
This trial-by-fire approach has been painful at times but has also contributed to his remarkable growth. His improved tyre management was evident in 2024, allowing him to stay competitive across various race conditions and deliver consistent results.
Building Blocks for Success
Piastri’s 2024 season wasn’t just about race wins. His performance was defined by:
- Consistency: Regularly challenging at the front of the grid.
- Adaptability: Quick learning from past mistakes and turning weaknesses into strengths.
- Composure: Handling high-pressure moments like a seasoned veteran.
Finishing fourth in the Drivers’ Championship in only his second year underscores the immense potential Piastri has to become a future World Champion.
Looking Ahead
With McLaren securing the Constructors’ Championship in 2024, the expectations for 2025 are sky-high. Piastri’s ability to evolve as a driver will be critical as he prepares for another intense battle, not just with Max Verstappen and other top contenders but also with his teammate Lando Norris.
If his meteoric rise over the past two seasons is any indication, Oscar Piastri is on a trajectory to join the ranks of Formula 1’s elite drivers. One thing is clear: his story has only just begun. The best is yet to come.