Piastri To Capitalize On Experience From 2023 With Goal Of 'Stronger' 2024

Thursday, 21 December 2023 at 01:00

McLaren's 2023 rookie driver Oscar Piastri suggested he expects a stronger season next year after collecting so much experience under his belt in 2023.

Oscar Piastri finished his rookie season in Formula One. While he wasn't as good as his teammate Lando Norris, he definitely impressed his whole team.

It usually takes quite a long time for drivers to get adjusted to Formula One, and they quite often need a couple of seasons to gain confidence and consistency. As quoted by motorsport.com, Piastri shared he definitely knows more than he knew coming into 2023.

"For myself, I feel like I've got much more experience under my belt. And hopefully, I can use that for whatever position we find ourselves in. I definitely know a lot more now than I did coming into the year, I think."

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In general, the 22-year-old could not quite keep up with his more experienced teammate in terms of race pace. Piastri is aware he needs to work on his race craft:

"I think the races there's still some work to do. I feel like I'm slowly getting there. But happy with how I'm on track."

Formula One is a completely different car to what rookie drivers are used to in Formula 2 or Formula 3 and Piastri highlighted how challenging it is to work with F1 tires.

"These tires are not easy. This car is not easy in certain conditions. It's always a bit of a new experience in every grand prix."

The rookie drivers have a much shorter calendar and so many of the tracks during the 2023 season have been new for the Australian driver.

Therefore, he was at a slight disadvantage compared to his rivals, who have been on all the tracks besides the Las Vegas Strip Circuit multiple times before.

Having driven at each of the tracks at least once before gives Piastri more confidence going into 2023 as he hopes for stronger season.

"Next year now I've been to all the circuits in this car, I’ll know a bit more what to expect. I feel like I've left every race knowing a lot more than I did at the start of them. So hopefully that can be a bit stronger next year."