Oscar Piastri expects Monaco Grand Prix chaos as F1 backmarkers gamble with bold strategies, threatening leaders’ control and race pace.
Piastri expects backmarker teams to take bold strategic risks, potentially complicating the race for the frontrunners, who may have to navigate around backmarkers and contend with others having more freedom to gamble on unconventional strategies.
“A complicated race, very complicated. I think there’s a lot to consider. I think we’ll see a lot of gambles on safety cars, red flags, especially if you’re not in a position that’s scoring big points,” Piastri noted.
“There’ll be a lot of risks taken because, ultimately, if things go wrong, you’ve got nothing to lose. That makes it potentially harder for the front-running teams like ours, but it’s not just us. So we’ll wait and see, but it’s definitely not straightforward.”
Piastri Braced for Chaos
The Australian anticipates strategic headaches and a race that could work against the leaders, even though pole position remains his goal:
“I’d still rather be on pole than anywhere else, but I think here it’s a bit different because it gives you control of the race.”
“It’s not like a normal race, where we saw last year that if you want to drive 10 seconds a lap slower, you can. So it’s very different from a regular race, and that makes it tough because you’re the one with the most to lose. That’s the key thing.”
“Everyone behind you can take a few more risks. There are different team strategies you can run, but it’s very, very complicated. My brain is still in knots from some of the meetings we had today!”
Fortunately, Piastri believes he can rely on a competitive car:
“We should have a quick car, we were fast here last year, and the first third of the season has gone well, so there’s no reason to think otherwise.”
Although Red Bull has regained form, he doesn’t believe the RB21 will dominate everywhere:
“At Imola, that was the case, but I don’t think it will be the case every week. Red Bull has found some pace over the last few weekends and Imola seemed to suit them, so we’ll see.”
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