The McLaren driver reflects on personal gains and execution, revealing why leading the championship isn’t the most satisfying part for him.
Oscar Piastri is leading the Formula 1 World Championship after five races, but for the McLaren driver, the most satisfying part of his season isn’t the points tally, it’s how he got there.
Winning races is exciting, he admits, but what really matters to him is the progress that’s put him in this position. After a frustrating start at his home Grand Prix in Melbourne, Piastri has turned things around, and that journey is what he’s most proud of.
“Winning is obviously great, and being in the lead is nice,” Piastri said. “But I said after Jeddah that I’m more satisfied with the work we’ve done and the reasons why I’m leading the championship, rather than the fact that I’m leading.”
He sees Melbourne as a key turning point. “The result in terms of points wasn’t great, but from a performance perspective, we executed well. Starting the season a little behind and making up that ground is the part I really value. It’s why we’re in this position now.”
Piastri also feels a stronger connection with this year’s car, the MCL39, compared to last year’s model. While it’s an evolution rather than a revolution, the familiarity has helped him step up his game.
“There are some differences in the car, but a lot of it behaves like last season’s,” he explained. “Personally, I’ve improved across the board. I haven’t focused on one specific area — it’s been about finding every last hundredth of a second, wherever I can.”
That fine-tuning is already making a difference. “I’ve still missed out on pole a few times by just a few hundredths, so there’s more to do. But that’s what’s moved me forward this season.”
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Piastri’s Championship Charge Driven by Self-Improvement Piastri’s Championship Charge Driven by Self-Improvement
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