Piastri's Calm Demeanour Belies His 'Ruthless' Racing Style

Despite a calm exterior, McLaren F1’s Oscar Piastri is assertive and determined on the track.

Oscar Piastri does not believe he is overly gentle on the track despite his calm nature. The McLaren F1 driver contends that he knows how to assert himself when necessary, while still maintaining proper conduct both on the track and in his personal demeanour.

“Just because I’m calm does not mean I’m not ruthless,” Piastri stated. “There have been many challenging situations throughout my career where I needed to be assertive. I stated last year that I did not want to be seen as a pushover on the track, but that you have to earn your respect.”

“I think that’s what I have done and I have tried to race hard but fair. I genuinely believe I am quite ruthless, but it should not come at the cost of calmness and kindness.”

The Australian also knows how to be entertaining on social media and behind the scenes, but he assures that he has not fabricated his personality: “My personality is naturally relaxed and calm. I have made a conscious effort in this regard as well. I mean, not in terms of creating a personality.”

“But to ensure that I am in the right mindset when I am in the car. Maybe it came a bit more naturally to me than others, but it was still a conscious effort to try and make sure I was always in that mindset.”

“There are always moments when motorsport can be quite frustrating at the best of times, so I would say it’s a combination of what I am naturally and a conscious effort to stay that way and be a professional.”

However, his apparent calm does not prevent occasional moments of frustration or anger: “Many people think I am very calm, and I believe that is the case, but I still have my moments. One needs a moment of rage here and there. Some think I am completely unemotional, but I have my moments.”