Oscar Piastri Reflects on P5 Finish in Hungary Grand Prix

Oscar Piastri's race in Hungary started with a brilliant getaway, allowing him to surge ahead and find himself in second place behind Max Verstappen after the first lap. However, as the race progressed, Piastri faced tire degradation issues that ultimately led to a fifth-place finish.

During the first pit stop period, Piastri lost ground to his teammate Lando Norris, who was called in first by McLaren. The undercut strategy proved effective for Norris, as he gained enough time on his out-lap to exit the pit lane alongside Piastri and make an easy overtake. Piastri acknowledged the impact of this pit stop, but also noted that finishing 30 seconds behind Norris did not significantly affect his race.

Piastri emphasized the importance of tire management in the challenging conditions of the Hungarian Grand Prix. Despite his efforts to defend his position against Sergio Perez, the McLaren driver's pace proved too much to handle. Piastri's battle with Perez provided thrilling moments for the crowd, with the Australian displaying determination and skill in his attempts to hold off the Mexican driver.

Lando Norris & Oscar Piastri after 2023 HungarianGP
Photo by: McLaren 


Reflecting on the race, Piastri expressed satisfaction with the team's performance and highlighted the positive weekend for McLaren. He also acknowledged the significant progress the team has made in recent races, thanks to car upgrades. Piastri believed that if McLaren had been using their previous car, they would have been much further behind in the race.

McLaren's CEO, Zak Brown, confirmed that Piastri had a minor floor damage, although it was unclear whether it occurred during the battle with Perez or from running wide over the kerbs. Brown addressed the decision to give Norris the first pit stop, explaining that it was the best strategy for the team at the time. The team wanted to cover Lewis Hamilton's potential pit stop and assess the pace on the new tires before making any further decisions.

Ultimately, Norris' pace and Piastri's tire degradation issues meant that McLaren did not need to consider late team orders. Piastri remained positive about the team's performance and expressed confidence in carrying the momentum to the next race in Spa.

The Hungarian Grand Prix showcased the challenges of tire management in hot conditions, with many drivers struggling to maintain their pace. Piastri's ability to adapt and learn from this experience will be crucial for his future performances. Despite the disappointment of not finishing higher, Piastri's positive attitude and focus on the team's overall success demonstrate his maturity as a young driver.

As McLaren continues to make strides in their performance, Piastri's role within the team becomes increasingly important. His determination and ability to push the limits will contribute to the team's success in future races. With the momentum gained from the Hungarian Grand Prix, McLaren and Piastri are poised to make further progress in the upcoming races.

The next challenge awaits at Spa, where Piastri and McLaren will aim to build on their recent successes. The Australian driver's experience in managing tire degradation will be valuable on the demanding circuit. As the season progresses, Piastri's growth as a driver and his contributions to the team will undoubtedly be closely watched by fans and experts alike.