Oscar Piastri and McLaren hoping to turn around form in Saudi Arabia
Oscar Piastri says McLaren is working “extremely hard” to turn around the team’s fortunes at the Saudi Arabian grand prix this weekend.
Oscar Piastri retired from the Bahrain Grand Prix with technical issues. (McLaren Racing)
“I’m looking forward to going racing at the Jeddah Corniche Circuit,” said Piastri, ahead of the race weekend.
“I’ve raced here previously in F2 so I have some experience of the track's speedy nature and I’m excited to get out there in an F1 car.”
“There are some cool features like the fast bends, and it will be my first time on a street track in F1 machinery.”
Piastri was forced to retire from his Formula 1 grand prix debut after suffering a technical issue during the Bahrain Grand Prix.
“Whilst the result last week was obviously disappointing for my first F1 race, I learned a lot and it’s important we all keep our heads held high.”
“I know the team are working extremely hard to turn it around from Bahrain and make the best car possible for Lando and myself.”
“We’ll keep pushing forward as a team and I have full confidence that we’ll get to where we want to be.”
McLaren has also pushed for safety changes to the track, with Team Principal Andrea Stella confident that concerns have been addressed ahead of the 2023 event.
“There have been a few tweaks to the circuit since we raced here last year,” said Stella.
“We are pleased to see adaptations have been made to address some of the safety concerns expressed, with better visibility for the drivers and smoother kerbs.”
Stella also reinforced Piastri’s comments that the team has better results ahead.
“The team head to Saudi with renewed mindset and determination to get back into the points, which was possible in Bahrain without reliability issues.”
“There has been a lot of analysis at McLaren and HPP over the past week to ensure problems are resolved.”
“We know we’ve got work to do, but the team in Woking and trackside are fully focused on developments and ready to go again in Saudi.”
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