As McLaren Prepare a Boost for Lando Norris & Co., Oscar Piastri Aspires to Take the Fight to Max Verstappen

McLaren began the 2023 season competing with the bottom 4 teams on the grid. And they continue to do so despite minor changes here and there. Their Qualifying performance in the last couple of outings is commendable. But the same cannot be said about their race performance. Now, all that their drivers can do is wait for McLaren‘s next upgrade package to be introduced in Austria. The upgrades already look powerful because Oscar Piastri now aims to take on the front of the grid.

After the Canadian GP, Lando Norris mentioned that the MCL60 was the same as at the start of the season and there were no changes in speed. It was the nature of the Montreal track that made things easier for them. Keeping that in mind, Piastri could have been cautious of his claims of fighting with Max Verstappen and the Top 4. But it is the opposite.

Piastri said, as quoted by Motorsport-Total, “We’re looking forward to the upgrades that will come soon. Hopefully they’ll be faster. That’s the plan, of course. But I think we’re having our best days at the moment, probably at the top of the midfield, and we need to get out of that midfield and focus on the top four teams. So yes, I’m looking forward to it.”

McLaren had introduced a big upgrade package earlier in Baku. Although, that was more of a concept change. So this upcoming Austria package as boss Andrea Stella claimed, is more of the team’s B-spec car that can have major performance upgrades. Either way, it would be intriguing to see if Piastri’s claims can prove to be true or not.

Read More: “That’s What I Grew Up With”: With a Tough Task Ahead, Unafraid Oscar Piastri Ready To Put the Pedal to the Metal

To back such claims, one needs a good source of confidence. And Piastri says he’s found that because of his manager, Mark Webber.

Oscar Piastri Credits His Manager, Mark Webber for Brewing Confidence

The young Australian driver has put up decent performances in his rookie season with McLaren. And he gives a lot of credit to Mark Webber, who has been managing him since his F3 days. Mark Webber was a confident racer and won 9 GPs in F1. According to Piastri, that is why he finds it easier to connect with someone who has been in the driver’s shoes.

Piastri said, as quoted by Motorsport, “But he’s [Mark Webber] very helpful with small driving tips here and there as well, and sometimes thinking of questions for the engineers that don’t even come to my head at the moment. He’s still very sharp. He thinks like a racing driver still and is always trying to get the best out of me.”

Both McLaren drivers are hopeful and looking forward to a quicker MCL60 in Austria. As per Team Principal Andrea Stella, McLaren is bringing an entirely redesigned car to the Red Bull ring. If all goes well for them, Piastri’s aim of competing with the Top 4 might actually come true.

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