Oscar Piastri excited about McLaren potential late in 2023 F1 season
Returning to the points in Zandvoort after retiring from the Belgian Grand Prix, McLaren driver Oscar Piastri says he is pleased by the potential in his car.
Oscar Piastri on track during the Dutch Grand Prix. (McLaren Racing)
McLaren has traded blows with Aston Martin for “best of the rest” in recent races, with Piastri’s teammate Lando Norris taking second at both Silverstone and the Hungaroring.
The Australian has also benefited from the improved form, finishing in the top five in each of those races and returning to the points with ninth in the Netherlands.
With the F1 field now heading to Italy, Piastri says he is excited for the challenge.
"I'm really excited to be racing in Monza in an F1 car,” said Piastri.
“It's a fast track, which is fun, but there are some trickier parts.”
“The team have been working hard to keep improving the car, and it feels good going into a race weekend knowing you have a car with so much potential.”
"Last weekend showed we’re competitive despite the challenges we faced. We’ll be taking our learnings into this weekend, and hopefully make the final European race of the year a memorable one."
Piastri has a lot to gain in the later stage of the season, sitting 12th in the drivers’ standings on equal points with Esteban Ocon in 11th, and just one point behind Pierre Gasly in 10th.
For the team it will be a much more difficult battle, with McLaren in fifth on 111 points, well behind Aston Martin in third on 215 points and Ferrari on 201 points.
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