McLaren has been in impressive form since upgrading their MCL38 in Miami. Piastri, who has been thoroughly enjoying driving the revamped car, is now heading to Canada following a solid performance in the Monaco GP, where he secured second place behind the winner, Charles Leclerc.
Reflecting on his experience in Monaco, Piastri expressed his delight, stating, “Monaco was a special moment for me. I felt it throughout all three days, and it was truly sensational to achieve a podium finish in the iconic Senna colors on those streets. As a young boy growing up in Australia, Monaco was always a race I dreamed about. So, it’s incredibly rewarding to have collected some silverware from one of the classics.”
Piastri shared his thoughts in McLaren’s preview of the upcoming race in Canada, emphasizing his satisfaction with his current driving performance and the consistency he has demonstrated over the past three events. He acknowledged that progress is never linear but expressed his enjoyment in showcasing his abilities and driving the exceptional car that the team has developed. Looking ahead to Canada, Piastri expressed his hope to continue the momentum, recognizing the tight competition at the front of the grid and his desire for further success.
While Lando Norris emerged victorious in Miami and came close to defeating Max Verstappen in Imola, he faced challenges in Monaco, finishing fourth behind his teammate. As he prepares for Canada, the British driver remains cautious and refrains from making optimistic predictions, acknowledging the potential difficulties he may encounter.
Norris stated, “I always enjoy racing in Montréal as it offers an exciting track with challenging sections. Our car has performed well across various circuit types, but we anticipate a tough competition in Canada. Our competitors are expected to be strong here.”
After the back-to-back races in Imola and Monaco, Norris appreciated the week off and used the time to engage in productive sessions with his engineers at the McLaren Technology Centre (MTC). He now eagerly anticipates the upcoming race weekend, eager to build on the team’s success and continue accumulating points.
Andrea Stella, the McLaren Team Principal, expressed satisfaction with his team’s current performance. However, he emphasized the need for constant effort to maintain their momentum. Stella stated that they were delighted to return to the factory with two P2 trophies after the recent double-header. The strong finishes by Lando and Oscar helped solidify their position in the Constructors’ Championship. Despite the positive results, Stella acknowledged that the season was still in its early stages and they had to continue working hard for consistent success.
Looking back at the 2023 race in Canada, where Piastri and Norris finished 11th and 13th respectively, Stella remains optimistic for a better performance this time. He pointed out that the Circuit Gilles-Villeneuve is a favorite among drivers and fans, presenting unique challenges compared to previous circuits. Although more hopeful than last year, Stella acknowledged the tough competition they face and the need to be competitive.
The ultimate goal for McLaren is to develop a car that can consistently perform well on all types of circuits. Stella emphasized that the team is dedicated to unlocking the car’s full potential and achieving this level of competitiveness. In the current 2024 F1 Constructors’ Championship, McLaren holds the third position, trailing Ferrari by 68 points and Red Bull Racing by only 24 points.