F1 News: Oscar Piastri Sets Sights On Strong 2024 With McLaren - "Tasted Success"

Oscar Piastri is optimistic about 2024.

After a potent rookie season with McLaren, Oscar Piastri revealed that next year, he expects the team and himself to be "stronger." The team had a robust performance in the latter part of the 2023 season, likely contributing significantly to establishing a solid foundation for the 2024 season.

After the summer break of the 2023 season, McLaren introduced a series of upgrades that ensured the drivers were able to push harder and compete in the front. Consequently, Piastri secured two podium finishes and a sprint race victory, while teammate Lando Norris made it to the podium seven times. 

Considering the performance improvements made in the latter part of 2023, Piastri expects a great start to the 2024 season. Speaking to the media, he revealed:

“I think as a team we've tasted a lot more success in the second half of the year.

“I think we're fully expecting next year to go into the year fighting for more, or at least making our good weekends we've had this year every weekend. But I'm sure Mercedes and Ferrari have the same idea.

“So we will try our best, definitely try and start it a little better than we did this year. For myself, I feel like I've got much more experience under my belt. And hopefully I can use that for whatever position we find ourselves in.”

Looking back at 2023, Piastri acknowledges that he made several mistakes, but now that he is nearly one year into his F1 debut, he is in a better position to know what needs to be done. He added:

“I definitely know a lot more now than I did coming into the year, I think.

“[In Abu Dhabi] the pace was really good from the start, just making a lot of mistakes. I would in some ways rather it'd be that way than go into qualifying a few tenths off but scratching my head on how I'm going to do it.

"As opposed to, sort of, the second half of the year, where if there has been a gap it's more often than not been because of mistakes, rather than lacking pace.

“So I think the races there's still some work to do. I feel like I'm slowly getting there. But happy with how I'm on track.“

Adding further on the complexities, he said:

“These tyres are not easy. This car is not easy in certain conditions. It's always a bit of a new experience in every grand prix.

“Next year now I've been to all the circuits in this car, I’ll know a bit more what to expect. I feel like I've left every race knowing a lot more than I did at the start of them. So hopefully that can be a bit stronger next year.”

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