Oscar Piastri confident in upgraded McLaren despite Baku illness

Despite losing three kilos due to illness and narrowly missing out on points, Oscar Piastri says he is reassured by the performance shown by McLaren in the Azerbaijan Grand Prix.

Oscar Piastri during the Azerbaijan Grand Prix. (McLaren Racing)

Fighting sickness during the weekend, Piastri finished 11th in the grand prix after taking 10th in the sprint.

“It was a shame to miss out on points by one spot," said the Australian, "but we were just lacking a bit of pace in the middle of the race, so there wasn’t really much more we could do."

"I’m happy I survived the weekend after being unwell and we’ve got some really good learning in the bank.

"I certainly learned a lot about the tyres in that race, and how to manage them better, so all of that will help us fight for points next time."

"Thanks to the team here and back at the factory for getting the upgrades out to us, it's definitely helped."

McLaren brought the first upgrades of the 2023 season to the Azerbaijan race weekend, with new elements initially intended to be part of the launch model.

McLaren’s Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri during the Azerbaijan Grand Prix. (McLaren Racing)

"I think this is the step we expected, hopefully it translates to some of the other tracks we go to as well now. To really challenge the top four teams, we need another couple of steps like this."

Team Principal Andrea Stella provided an insight into the care provided to Piastri over the weekend, thanking the team's doctors.

"Thank you to our excellent medical staff for their continuous support throughout the weekend. We hope he’ll be feeling better in a few days when we start again in Miami.”

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