Piastri steps up: More 'pushy' but still humble
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Oscar Piastri, fresh off his sophomore year in Formula 1, has opened up about his evolving approach to working with his McLaren team.
While the Aussie insisted his core personality hasn't changed, he acknowledged a newfound assertiveness in his communication with his engineers.
With two Grand Prix victories, eight podiums, and a run of 12 top-five finishes in 13 races, the Australian played a pivotal role in securing McLaren's 2024 constructors' championship.
Yet, behind the scenes, it wasn't just his driving that evolved.
Growing Into the Role
Reflecting on last year's campaign, Piastri revealed how he's learned to be more confident in voicing his needs while maintaining a balanced approach.
"I would say not in my demeanor or the way I'm working with the team," Piastri told Motorsport.com when asked if he had taken on a bigger role in motivating the team.
"Maybe I know a little bit more of what I want from the team or from the car, but I think for the large part it's very, very similar."
However, while his familiarity with his crews has grown, the 23-year-old emphasized that he's not overstepping his role as a driver.
"I'm certainly not now in my second year telling the aerodynamicists how to design the car and stuff like that. I'm still trying to give the same helpful feedback where I can.
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"Maybe now that I know some more people, I'm not as afraid to be a bit more pushy in what I ask for.
"But I have certainly not changed my personality from year to year. That just comes with experience, and the best way I can help is by trying to do my best every weekend."
A Dynamic Partnership
Piastri's growth has also been bolstered by his strong working relationship with teammate Lando Norris.
As the pair gears up to remain McLaren's driving duo for the next two seasons, Piastri believes their synergy is a key factor in McLaren's success.
"I think part of why we've had so much success in going forward is that Lando and I work very well together on that kind of thing," he said.
The two drivers have consistently provided similar feedback, making it easier for the team to hone in on solutions.
"We have always wanted very similar things from the car. So I think that's very useful for the team," Piastri explained.
"As long as we keep saying the same things then, while it means that we're still not on top of them, [it] also [means] that we're still working very much in the same wavelength."
Experience Breeds Confidence
Piastri's measured approach – balancing confidence with respect for his engineers and colleagues –
reflects a maturity beyond his years.
His ability to adapt, push when necessary, and work seamlessly with Norris has not only elevated his own performance but also solidified McLaren's return to the top of Formula 1.
As he continues to grow into his role, Piastri's quiet leadership could very well be the driving force behind McLaren's sustained success in the seasons to come.
For now, he's proving that assertiveness doesn't require overreach, and teamwork is as much about alignment as it is about raw speed.
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