Young F1 rising star Oscar Piastri is not holding back in criticizing McLaren’s strategy calls at the recent Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix. The Australian driver, who started the race from pole position, ended up finishing in third place, and he is not happy about it.
Piastri expressed his disappointment with the outcome of the race, pointing out that McLaren’s decisions may have cost him a shot at victory. He questioned the team’s choice to bring him in for a pit stop on Lap 13, which ultimately dropped him behind slower cars and forced him into a two-stop race.
The 20-year-old driver also highlighted the impact of a Virtual Safety Car period on Lap 30, which allowed his rivals Max Verstappen and Lando Norris to change tires without losing much time. Despite momentarily climbing to second place during a late Safety Car period, Piastri couldn’t fend off Norris on fresher tires and had to settle for third place.
In a post-race interview, Piastri openly criticized McLaren’s strategy, suggesting that the team may have reacted too quickly to bring him in for a pit stop. He acknowledged that tough days are part of the championship but emphasized the importance of learning from these experiences.
The young driver’s bold comments have raised eyebrows in the F1 community, sparking discussions about the role of strategy in determining race outcomes. As Piastri continues to make a name for himself in the sport, all eyes will be on how McLaren responds to his feedback and adjusts their approach for future races.