Oscar Piastri’s Blunt Confession: F1 Can “Easily Become Demoralizing Instead of Constructive”

Behind the glamor and speed of Formula 1, there lies a harsh reality. A reality that McLaren‘s up-and-coming star driver, Oscar Piastri, isn’t shy of speaking up about. You see, there has been an age-old debate in the F1 community. And it revolves around the question of whether the car or the driver plays a more significant role in winning races. Whether a championship-caliber driver can still win races in sub-par machinery and vice versa. Well, according to Oscar Piastri, there’s no debate to be had. The reality is that most drivers never even got to show their worth because they were never in a competitive car.

When the engines cool down and the adrenaline subsides, the truth of the matter is that the drivers are left with their thoughts, their ambitions, and their fears. It’s in these quiet moments that the true challenges of the sport emerge. For Oscar Piastri, these challenges can sometimes overshadow the thrill of the racing and demoralize the drivers instead of encouraging them.

Oscar Piastri doesn’t dream about winning races in Formula 1

Not dreaming about winning might seem like a pragmatic approach to life as a racer. However, this approach stems from an understanding of the harsh realities of the sport. With only a select few drivers ever clinching world championship titles, Oscar Piastri recognizes the slim odds stacked against him. Despite his aspirations, Piastri is well aware of the crucial role played by both driver skill and car performance in achieving success on the track.

He acknowledges that dreams of victory can quickly turn into disappointment if not tempered with a realistic assessment of one’s circumstances. ” I rarely dare to dream about it [winning]. In Formula 1, this sport is still very dependent on both car and driver – a lot of car,” Piastri was quoted by speedcafe.com. “If you’re in the slowest car on the grid, you’re not going to win a race or a championship. It’s as simple as that. No matter how hard you try or want it, it’s not going to happen for you. So trying to wish those things or dream about them can very easily become demoralizing instead of constructive.“

Instead of dwelling on elusive victories, Piastri focuses on improving his skills and making the most out of every opportunity he gets as a Formula 1 racer. He finds fulfillment in mastering the aspects of racing that are within his control, knowing that success is not purely determined by race results but also by personal growth and development.

READ MORE: Who Is Oscar Piastri’s Father, Chris Piastri? Co-founder of Multibillion-Dollar Automotive Company

To that end, Piastri also acknowledges that his generation of drivers have it a lot different than what the likes of Lewis Hamilton and Fernando Alonso saw as a young racer.

Piastri explains the difference between the previous and current generation of F1 drivers

In a recent interview with Esquire Australia, Piastri highlighted the role of simulators in modern racing compared to the early days of Lewis Hamilton and Fernando Alonso. He noted that while simulators were not prevalent when Hamilton and Alonso started racing; they have become a crucial tool for today’s aspiring racers. Piastri emphasized the impact of sim racing on young drivers, explaining how it helps them focus more on driving quickly without dwelling on fear.

He pointed out that while Hamilton and Alonso may not have had access to simulators in their early careers, today’s drivers benefit from them greatly, even if they have minimal effect on-track testing time. “…The sport’s advanced a long way,“ said Oscar. “Even just for me, the guys a few years younger than me, they’re playing iRacing in home simulators from the [same] age they’re racing go-karts”. 

Do you agree with Piastri’s assessment that his generation of drivers has it somewhat easy? Let us know your thoughts in the comments.