Piastri has the tools to challenge Verstappen and Norris: 'I'll make sure I use them'
F1 News
Oscar Piastri had an inconsistent 2024, with some very strong outings, split by races where he was nowhere near the front, where his teammate, Lando Norris, and the eventual champion, Max Verstappen, could often be found. The McLaren driver claims he feels more confident now, which wasn't the case last year, since he now has the tools he needs to challenge more consistently at the front, and maybe even vy for the title?
Looking ahead to 2025 the Australian is certain that he, his McLaren teammate, Norris, and the McLaren structure can replicate the successes achieved last season, as he stated in an interview on Formula One's youtube channel. "I think as a team we're in a strong place, I think we've gained some confidence and gained experience in the last 12 months of how to be a race winning and championship winning team again."
Is Piastri ready to take the next step forward and go for more?
As for his own challenge in the drivers' championship, Piastri believes that being in McLaren, especially with the feeling inside the team, can certainly help him in his own goal of fighting at the front more consistently: "I think for myself anyways, being part of that environment is incredibly exciting. And there's always a little bit extra when you go into the weekend knowing you can fight for wins."
Now, unlike last year, the Australian feels that he's got everything he needs to challenge his rivals. "I feel like I have all the tools at my disposal now, which I don't think I necessarily felt 12 months ago. It's now just about making sure I use them all the time and put my best foot forward as often as I can. So I'm excited. I also have the confidence of having some wins under my belt, so I know that I can do it. It's just about trying to do that more often," concluded the hungry McLaren driver.
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