In contrast to Daniel Ricciardo’s declining shares at VCARB, Oscar Piastri is experiencing a surge in popularity, becoming the hope of a nation of car enthusiasts. McLaren team boss Andrea Stella has informed the media that they will be particularly cautious about managing Piastri’s off-track commitments during the upcoming Australian Grand Prix at Albert Park. Stella explained that they are prioritizing the drivers’ ability to focus on performance and relaxation, carefully considering the requests they receive and only accepting those that won’t compromise their performance.
Piastri himself is eagerly anticipating his return to his home race, expressing his excitement about racing in front of a local crowd. He is optimistic about the race week and expects a fantastic atmosphere, especially hoping to see many McLaren fans in the crowd. Reflecting on his positive start to the season with a fourth-place finish in Saudi Arabia, Piastri has been reviewing data at the McLaren Technology Center to identify areas for improvement and maximize performance.
Lando Norris, Piastri’s teammate at McLaren, also shared his anticipation for the Australian Grand Prix. He described the track as enjoyable and praised the passionate Australian fans, emphasizing the thrilling atmosphere they create. Norris revealed that he spent time at the factory with his engineers, analyzing the first two races of the season and preparing for the upcoming race in Melbourne. He aims to contribute more points to the team’s tally.
Team principal Andrea Stella expressed his thoughts on the upcoming race, emphasizing the importance of maintaining momentum and focusing on areas that require development to compete for podium finishes. Stella highlighted the excitement surrounding the Melbourne race, particularly for Piastri as it is his home race. He expects strong support from fans and hopes for thrilling racing and additional points for the team.
As McLaren heads into Round 3 of the 2024 World Championship, they currently hold the third position in the Constructors’ Standings. In terms of the Drivers’ Standings, Piastri has accumulated 16 points, while Norris has 12. The qualifying score stands at 1-1. (Additional Reporting by Agnes Carlier)