Contrary to Daniel Ricciardo’s declining performance in the VCARB, Oscar Piastri is experiencing an increase in his popularity, becoming the hope of a nation of car enthusiasts. McLaren team principal Andrea Stella informed the press that they will be especially cautious in managing Piastri’s off-track commitments during the upcoming Australian Grand Prix at Albert Park. Stella explained that they are prioritizing the drivers’ ability to focus on performance and relaxation, carefully considering the requests they receive and only accepting those that do not compromise their performance.
Piastri himself is eager to return to his home race, expressing his excitement to race in front of a local crowd. He is optimistic about race week and expects a fantastic atmosphere, especially hoping to see many McLaren fans in the crowd. Reflecting on his strong start to the season with a fourth-place finish in Saudi Arabia, Piastri has been reviewing data at the McLaren Technology Center to identify areas for improvement and maximize performance.
Lando Norris, Piastri’s teammate at McLaren, also shared his anticipation for the Australian Grand Prix. He described the track as fun and praised the passionate Australian fans, emphasizing the exciting atmosphere they create. Norris revealed that he spent time at the factory with his engineers, analyzing the first two races of the season and preparing for the upcoming race in Melbourne. He aims to contribute more points to the team.
The team boss, Andrea Stella, expressed his thoughts on the upcoming race, emphasizing the importance of maintaining momentum and focusing on areas that require development to compete for podiums. Stella highlighted the excitement surrounding the Melbourne race, especially for Piastri, which is his home race. He expects strong support from the fans and looks forward to exciting races and additional points for the team.
As McLaren heads into Round Three of the 2024 World Championship, they currently sit in third place in the Constructors’ Championship. In terms of the Drivers’ Championship, Piastri has accumulated 16 points, while Norris has 12. The scoreline is tied at 1-1. (Additional reporting by Agnes Carlier)
