Despite a Rough Start, Oscar Piastri Believes He Has Taken a “Step Forward” in His Sophomore Year

The start of the 2024 season has been a mixed bag for Oscar Piastri. From experiencing the low of finishing P13, he has gone on to achieve the one feat that every driver dreams of — winning the Grand Prix, which he did in Hungary. Taking his season’s performances into account, Piastri feels he has certainly moved ahead from last year.

Speaking at the post-race presser following the Belgian Grand Prix, Piastri reflected on his F1 journey in his sophomore year,

“Whether it’s interesting track limit penalties or crashes or mistakes, there’s always kind of been just things and I feel like the last few weekends I have been able to tidy it up. So, I feel like I’ve taken a step forward from last year, definitely”.

Of late, the 23-year-old has been on a roll with his performances and is leading the charge for McLaren. The last four races have seen Piastri outperform Lando Norris on three occasions and is becoming a threat to the British driver. With four podiums including one race win, Piastri now sits only 32 points behind Norris in the drivers’ standings.

Well that was unexpected but we’ll take it. Thanks everyone pic.twitter.com/faUJTEc8Gd

— Oscar Piastri (@OscarPiastri) July 28, 2024

As such, the Aussie driver could use the remainder of this season to hone his skills for next season. Then, the 2025 season could well see Piastri make a bid for the drivers’ championship, given the progress being made by McLaren.

A positive 2025 season is on the cards for McLaren

The Woking-based team is shaping up to be the team to beat next year. The final laps of the Belgian GP by Piastri gave clear evidence of the immense pace the McLaren car has when racing in dry conditions.

However, with Norris well clear of Piastri on points, McLaren would favor the Briton to win so he can reduce Verstappen’s lead and continue his bid for the championship.

But, Piastri’s pressure-handling skills reflect an immensely mature driver, which is something Norris tends to lack at times.

With only ten races left in the season, chances are that Piastri might have to be on the back foot for the remainder of this season. But 2025 could be a different story.