- McLaren needs clear rules for driver management.
- Piastri shows more potential and fewer mistakes than Norris.
- Piastri excelled in braking and overtaking.
- Mark Webber is proud of Piastri’s growth
Oscar Piastri, just 39 races into his Formula One career, showcased his exceptional talent once again with his victory at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix. The McLaren driver is distinguished not only by his natural speed but also by his remarkable ability to learn and adapt.
In his debut season, Piastri, alongside the more experienced Lando Norris, performed admirably, though he finished with 97 points compared to Norris’s 205 and secured two podiums to Norris’s seven. This season, Piastri has stepped up significantly, achieving two wins and becoming the top points scorer since Max Verstappen’s last victory in June.
In Baku, Piastri demonstrated his skill by transforming a podium-contending car into a race-winning vehicle through superior driving and strategic acumen. This ability to adapt and optimize his performance is a hallmark of the very best drivers.
Unlike many who struggle to learn from recurring issues, Piastri excels in applying new knowledge to improve his race outcomes. While every rookie learns, Piastri’s ability to effectively put those lessons into practice sets him apart. Although he may not match Norris’s outright speed, he closely rivals him over the course of a race.
One area where Piastri has shown significant improvement is tire management, a weakness in comparison to Norris last year. In the 2024 season, Piastri’s enhanced tire management played a crucial role in his Baku win. He was adept at preserving his rear tires, which allowed him to capitalize on opportunities and overtake Charles Leclerc when it mattered most.
Recent discussions have focused on team dynamics at McLaren, with concerns about potential favoritism towards Norris, who finished fourth in Baku. Having two closely matched, talented drivers presents both advantages and challenges for the team. Piastri’s rapid progress could lead to ongoing internal competition and strategic dilemmas as long as both drivers remain with McLaren and the car remains competitive.
In the past, teams like Ferrari and Red Bull have clearly defined their No. 1 and No. 2 drivers, but McLaren’s situation is less straightforward. For the upcoming season, the team needs to establish clear guidelines before the season begins. Initially, they should allow both drivers to compete freely for the first half of the season, while ensuring they avoid unnecessary risks and collisions.
Midway through the season, McLaren should evaluate the drivers’ championship standings. If one driver emerges with a clear advantage, that driver should receive priority in terms of strategy, new parts, and other team resources. This doesn’t necessarily mean imposing team orders for positional changes but could involve giving the leading driver strategic benefits.
Looking ahead, Piastri appears to be the driver with the most potential for the future. While Norris has more experience, he has shown a tendency for mistakes, which has affected his championship prospects this year, particularly with poor starts. Piastri, on the other hand, seems to handle errors more effectively.
His performance in Monza was a testament to his skill. During the opening laps, where tire grip is uncertain, Piastri demonstrated superior confidence and braking, overtaking Norris and pushing the car closer to its limits. His ability to seize opportunities and perform under pressure is noteworthy.
Piastri’s continual learning and improvement are impressive, and his mentor, Mark Webber, is proud of his progress. Despite the ongoing discussions about team dynamics and support for Norris, Piastri’s talent and potential suggest he will be a key figure in McLaren’s future success and will likely secure many victories.
