With Zak Brown & Co. Planning a “Major Overhaul”, Oscar Piastri Exposes the Chink in McLaren’s Armor

After a hugely disappointing start to the campaign, McLaren has finally started to pull its weight. However, despite positive signs on track, the team does have the end results to show for it. The Canadian GP was a prime example of that, with both Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris finishing out of points despite racing in favorable conditions. This scenario might soon change after Zak Brown and Co. announced a major overhaul. Although the Australian rookie believes changes to the car alone will help them get positive results in the races.

Piastri pointed out how the team has made strides in qualifying sessions by making it into Q3 in five of the last six outings. Even though his Canadian GP qualifying did not go according to plan, he kept his hopes up. Although the race ended in more disappointment. This is exactly what Piastri believes needs to change, as quoted by SpeedCafe.

“I think the last three weekends, really, we’ve had five out of six Q3 appearances – and I was 11th in the one that didn’t make it. So it’s been a good string of races for the team on Saturdays,” he said. But pointed out where McLaren is lacking and said, “Sundays, I think we still need some work, but we know that and we’re working on it.”

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Piastri is aware of the first of the three-part upgrade package coming to Austria, which was revealed by TP Andrea Stella. High expectations are riding on the upgrade package. However, despite that, Piastri believes the Red Bull Ring will offer a lot of challenges.

Oscar Piastri is cautious about the upcoming race in Austria despite having raced on the rack in the past

2023 might be Piastri’s rookie season. However, the Australian has a wealth of racing experience, just not in the premier class. The feeder series is well aware of the racing prowess of the Australian. That is also when he raced on the Red Bull Ring on multiple occasions. However, the pressures and dynamics of Formula 1 are different. This is why, despite the upgrades and familiarity with the track, Piastri is staying cautious.

“It’s going to be tricky. I think that Austria is a track where we have all raced many times, including the rookies.” And added, “That should make things a little easier because there are fewer curves and the walls are also a bit further away. But yes, it’s never easy when you only have one training session.” But still maintaining his confidence, he said, “But that’s what I grew up with in the junior categories and in Formula 3 and Formula 2. So it’s not that unusual for me.”

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The rookie has not lived up to the billing, but that is mainly due to the state of the MCL60. Will we see a different Piastri after the upgrades the Woking outfit is planning to introduce in the next three races?