Oscar Piastri will never forget the 2023 Qatar GP weekend for two reasons. The first is obviously because the rookie won his first-ever race in the sport, albeit in the Sprint format. However, the second reason is not because he secured his second podium and best-ever finish in a Grand Prix, it’s because Max Verstappen beat the rookie in the race.
Now, Verstappen entered every race weekend as the favorite. However, for context, after Verstappen’s P2 in the Qatar GP sprint race, the Red Bull man secured his third championship of his career in as many years. So his actions after securing his championship and the fact that he still won the physically taxing race the next day is the second reason why Piastri will remember the 2023 Qatar GP for his life.
Oscar Piastri makes a startling confession about Max Verstappen and his drunk escapades after the 2023 Qatar GP
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A startling revelation was made on the latest episode of Hollywood star Dax Shepard‘s Eff Won podcast. The revelation was about how Verstappen went out to celebrate on the Saturday night of the Qatar GP after winning his third championship. However, he still came back the next day to win the race on the Losail Circuit in challenging conditions for the drivers. Piastri went on to approve the celebrations of Verstappen after securing his 3rd Drivers’ Championship while also being in awe of the Dutchman.
After Piastri confessed he rarely goes out, even on a race weekend’s Sunday night Shepard recounted when Christian Horner exposed Verstappen’s drunk escapades after the Qatar GP’s Sprint race.
Piastri stamped his approval of this revelation, despite taking it with a pinch of salt. He said, “Yeah we spoke about that in the cool down room actually. I’m very aware that I got beaten by someone who’s had a decent night out so but when you win a world championship I think it’s warranted. So I can’t say I wouldn’t do the same if I was in his position.”
Read More: Oscar Piastri Shelves Max Verstappen’s Dream of Creating History With “Unexpected” Sprint Pole
When you’ve got nothing left to lose, you can let loose a little. However, even then, Verstappen did not lose as the hungover Dutchman won the Qatar GP main race. Staying on top of his game under all circumstances is something everyone can learn from him and Piastri definitely is as highlighted by Peter Windsor.
Peter Windsor appreciated Oscar Piastri’s approach toward Max Verstappen in his rookie season
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When speaking about the rookie sensation in one of his YouTube videos, Peter Windsor was full of praise for the rookie, as many believe he will end Verstappen’s reign. However, it wasn’t just for his racing talents. Windsor also appreciated Piastri’s conduct in the rookie season under all circumstances and how he approached his first year in the premier class with an eye out for lessons.
When asked if Oscar could be ranked as highly as Lando Norris after his performances so far, Windsor was full of praise for the rookie. He said, “Yes, absolutely! I think he’s got shorter corners than Lando and I think he’s a little bit more self-critical in terms of his driving technique than Lando. Possibly because this is his rookie season and he’s trying to learn everything he can. But the reality is there aren’t many drivers these days that go around watching other drivers and learning from them and he does watch Max very closely learn from him. I think it’s an incredibly positive thing and beyond that, he’s got everything.”
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WATCH THIS STORY: How Oscar Piastri Has Made a Scintillating Rise to the Pinnacle of Motorsport
Apart from his talent, Piastri is also showcasing his discipline and dedication to becoming a world champion. It will be interesting to see this young boy come to age in the world of F1.