Formula 1 News: Piastri Confident in McLaren’s High-Speed Prowess Amid Low-Speed Gains
In the world of Formula 1, rumors have been circulating that McLaren’s recent low-speed improvements with its 2024 car have compromised its previous strength in high-speed corners. However, Oscar Piastri, the Australian driver, has dismissed these claims, ensuring that fans of the Woking-based squad can breathe a sigh of relief.
McLaren’s weakness in slow-speed corners has been a long-standing issue, dating back several seasons. Last year, the team managed to upgrade its car into regular podium contention, with Piastri and teammate Lando Norris capitalizing on the MCL60’s competitiveness in high-speed turns to secure double podiums in Japan and Qatar.
Following updates in Miami, McLaren’s performance at low speed has received a significant boost, exceeding initial expectations and contributing to Norris’s victory. While Mercedes struggled earlier this season to optimize its car across cornering ranges, Piastri is confident that McLaren’s MCL38 charger remains competitive, particularly as Formula 1 returns to a more conventional circuit at Barcelona this weekend.
Speaking ahead of the Spanish Grand Prix, Piastri expressed his confidence in the team’s ability to stay competitive, saying, “I think we can still be confident. I think I wouldn’t say we’re weak in high speed, it’s just that others have probably caught up a little bit.”
Piastri believes that McLaren will remain a strong contender, stating, “I think I’m pretty confident we’ll be somewhere towards the front as well. I think Red Bull will probably be a bit stronger than they have been, but I think we’ll be in the fight.”
With 116 points accumulated over the last three rounds, McLaren has emerged as a consistent fixture at the sharp end, with both drivers performing impressively. Piastri acknowledges the 89-point gap to Red Bull but emphasizes that the British outfit must be regarded as a genuine championship challenger.
“It’ll be tough, definitely, but I think we’re in the fight,” he added. “I think we scored the most points in Canada as a team, not by much, but it’s definitely a really good result for us.”
As the Formula 1 calendar enters its second half, McLaren’s focus will shift to refining its performance and bridging the gap to Red Bull. With Piastri’s confidence in the team’s high-speed prowess and its recent low-speed gains, the stage is set for an thrilling battle for the championship.
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