Oscar Piastri opens up on his transition to Formula 1
Oscar Piastri has opened up on his path to Formula One and outlined what he is focused on ahead of his debut season.
In a comprehensive interview uploaded to the McLaren Racing website, Piastri says he is still coming to terms with the fact he will be racing against some of his idols within the coming weeks.
“That is a bit of an unusual one that I am still getting my head around,” said the Australian..
“I think once the helmet goes on, they’ll just become another driver on the grid that I am trying to beat, but, at least before the season starts, that is probably the most unique element of the mental side of things that I need to get used to.”
Oscar Piastri will make his Formula 1 grand prix debut at the Bahrain Grand Prix. (McLaren Racing)
Piastri has moved to London, but says he is yet to finish unpacking his new home, within an hour of the McLaren headquarters.
“The factory itself is a really cool building, but when you see the Boulevard and all of the history on display there, it’s special to know that I am a part of that history.”
“It was a cool feeling, and hopefully, I’ll be able to add a few trophies and cars of my own.”
Despite having a year away from driving, remaining in the paddock as the Alpine F1 reserve driver, the Melburnian says the sense of being a full-time Formula 1 driver has not yet sunk in.
“I haven’t had a chance to think about it yet.”
“It has been nice in that sense to be so busy, but in general, I think my character is pretty stable, and it is a personality trait of mine to be pretty relaxed.”
“I think it is a mixture of those two things.”
“A third aspect is having something to focus on again.”
“For the last 12 months, I was learning as much as possible from being a Reserve Driver, but there was never the certainty that I would get a race seat, but now I have a race seat that sharpens your focus.”
“It’s been nice to have that from the start of this year.”
The 2023 Formula One World Championship begins 3-5 March with the Bahrain Grand Prix.
