F1 News: Oscar Piastri Insight On McLaren Upgrades Ahead Of Austrian GP - "Hopefully Faster"

Oscar Piastri is hopeful for the upcoming McLaren upgrades.

McLaren driver Oscar Piastri is optimistic about the team's potential in the approaching Formula 1 races. He pins his hopes on the series of upgrades the Woking-based team intends to bring in, following a less-than-perfect start to the 2023 season. Piastri anticipates these advancements will significantly up their game.

Acknowledging that their MCL60 car did not quite meet the development goals set at the year's start, the team found themselves entering the season on the back foot. A significant step towards progress was made when the first major upgrade of the year was introduced at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix. More enhancements are slated to be added for the forthcoming rounds in Austria and Silverstone. 

On this, Piastri comments:

“I haven’t driven in the simulator yet. So I’m not sure [what they’re like],” Piastri said to the media in Canada.

“Hopefully, it’s faster. That’s obviously the plan. I think we’re positive and optimistic about the new package we’ve got coming for Austria and Silverstone.

“We’ll have to wait and see but I’m looking forward to firstly driving it in the sim when I have the chance and then obviously on the real track too.”

The time to fine-tune these upgrades is limited, as the second Sprint event of the year is scheduled for this weekend at the Austrian Grand Prix so there will just be the one free practice session.

Despite these challenges, Piastri is aiming to secure a top-10 finish in Austria, given his last points were scored at the Monaco Grand Prix. He expressed:

“I’m looking forward to returning to the Red Bull Ring, this time in an F1 car.

“I quite enjoyed the new Sprint format in Baku, so I’m looking forward to experiencing that again this weekend and hopefully bring back some points for the team.”