McLaren: ‘It’s easy to forget that he’s only been in Formula 1 for three years’

McLaren CEO Zak Brown is confident Oscar Piastri will continue to improve after the Australian driver won the Formula 1 championship last season.

Piastri could become the first Australian champion since Alan Jones in 1980. He led the overall standings for 15 stages and almost six months, from the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix in April until the Mexican Grand Prix in October, when he lost the lead.

At the end of the 24-stage season, the Australian lost 13 points to teammate Lando Norris, who eventually became champion. Max Verstappen finished the race 11 points ahead of Piastri after a late-season collapse.

Throughout the year, Piastri repeatedly expressed his dissatisfaction with team decisions, especially at the Italian and Singapore Grand Prix; According to him, McLaren preferred Norris, which was also reflected in their radio conversations.

But Zac Brown insists Piastri’s contribution deserves the biggest praise and believes his time will come.

“He’s had an incredible season. It’s easy to forget that Oscar has only been racing in Formula 1 for three years.”

He drives with experience and skill that belies his age and always behaves as professionally as possible.

From day one we knew we had a real star. I have no doubt that his star will continue to rise.”