Australian driver Oscar Piastri, from the McLaren team, adjusted expectations for the Formula 1 Austrian Grand Prix, indicating that the British team will probably be at a disadvantage in relation to direct competitors such as Mercedes, Ferrari and Red Bull. The current season has been challenging for McLaren, which is facing competitive difficulties and technical and mechanical problems in its car, the MCL40.
Despite its glorious history as multiple world champions, the team has been dealing with a complicated phase since the implementation of new rules in the category, designed to increase competitiveness and which, paradoxically, have benefited other top teams.
Oscar Piastri expresses realistic expectations for the team in Austria
In a pre-event press conference at the Red Bull Ring, Piastri made it clear that he does not foresee a significant change in the scenario for McLaren in Austria. He emphasized that the competition will be fierce, with rivals putting in a strong performance.
Driver analysis of competitors’ performance and McLaren’s difficulties
The young driver detailed the improvement of other teams, stating that Ferrari made considerable progress in Barcelona, while Mercedes maintains its status as the main reference. Furthermore, Piastri mentioned rumors about significant improvements that Red Bull was planning to implement in its car, which would further complicate the situation for McLaren. “We have no illusions that we will suddenly be incredible here. And we certainly won’t be the team to beat,” he declared, adding that he hopes to close the gap and take advantage of any mistakes made by his opponents. He concluded that achieving victory on merit or sheer speed will be a difficult feat, although he admits that a pleasant surprise would be welcome.
McLaren prepares experimental rear wing for circuit testing
Despite modest projections for the race, McLaren is expected to attract special attention during Friday’s free practice, with the MCL40 expected to use an experimental rear wing. These tests are crucial for the development of future updates, allowing the team to collect valuable data on aerodynamics and performance in real track conditions, even if the part in question is not ready for racing use.
Asked about the possibility of him or his teammate, Lando Norris, using the new device in the race, Piastri was direct in stating that the piece will not be used in the official competition.
“No, we won’t use it in the race. I think Lando will put it in his car tomorrow. And yes, it’s just for testing”, explained the driver. He further commented that, at the moment, the wing is not ready for competitive use and that, although creative solutions are not without challenges, collecting data during testing will be extremely useful for the team’s future.