Piastri reveals missing F1 ingredient

Oscar Piastri has opened up on what he believes is still missing from his F1 arsenal, assessing the “step forward” he has made from his debut campaign until this year.

The McLaren driver believes it has been a rocky start to the season, but with McLaren a resurgent force following the series of improvements introduced at Miami, the Australian has reason to be optimistic for the rounds ahead.

Since the introduction of the updated package in Florida, the Woking team has stood on the podium at every grand prix, including teammate Lando Norris' first F1 victory.

Although Piastri himself was unlucky not to do better in the United States, since Imola he has enjoyed a better run of performances and a decent points total, with fourth and fifth places sandwiching his second position in Monaco.

“I would say more a question of confidence,” the 23-year-old told the media, including RacingNews365 when asked if he had found anything in the settings of his McLaren, or if it was purely a matter of confidence.

“I think there have been some good moments here and there, even early in the season. I think the first few rounds were quite promising, with a few tough races in the middle, but overall I I feel like I've made a good step forward in quite a few areas from last year, I think it's just consistency that's really been the thing that's been missing.”

“Take it up a notch”

Before the introduction of developments on the MCL38, Piastri started the season with three eighth places and two fourth places. Meanwhile, Norris scored two podiums in those first five rounds.

Since then, the Australian has shown steady, marked progress, and ultimately more consistency – something he is still somewhat lacking in his second F1 season.

Despite the uptick in results, Piastri doesn't feel like he or the team is doing anything “special”, but rather the culmination of continued improvement through upgrades.

“So the last few weekends have been good to try to overcome that. But I don't think I've done anything special,” said the former sprint winner.

“I don't think as a team we really did anything special. We just put the car in a good window. And with the improvements it's clearly working well. So yeah, I think we Let’s all just take it up a notch.”