F1 'Bigger Rollercoaster' than Piastri Expected Before His Rookie Season

Sunday, 03 December 2023 at 06:00

McLaren F1 driver Oscar Piastri recently revealed the 2023 season has been a "bigger rollercoaster" than he would ever expect it to be.

Last week's race in Abu Dhabi concluded the rookie season for the 22-year-old Australian driver Oscar Piastri, who finished ninth in the Constructors' Championship.

Piastri might have regretted his decision to leave Alpine when McLaren struggled at the back of the grid at the beginning of the season.

However, the British brought a few significant upgrades that launched their car from the back of the grid to regular competing for podiums.

In the end, Piastri is one of the most fortunate rookie drivers in Formula One history as he admitted he got the privilege in the first season some drivers don't get their whole life.

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So the Australian driver went from driving at the back of the grid to just missing a podium at Silverstone to retiring in Belgium after great qualification, achieving podiums in Japan and Qatar, and then again retiring in Austin. He told the media:

"It's definitely been a bigger rollercoaster than I expected. I knew there would be ups and downs, maybe not as down at the start or as up at the end!"

On the other hand, having gone through so many situations, the 22-year-old thinks he has gained a lot more experience. The Mclaren driver explained:

"But I've really learned a lot. I feel like I've had basically every situation you could have, apart from a championship fight."

McLaren has not quite been in the situation to regularly compete for the podium during the recent few years, and Piastri thinks it is exciting to be there again as he looks forward to next season.