Oscar Piastri: McLaren rookie insists there’s ‘no extra pressure’ ahead of 2023 Formula 1 after Alpine ‘drama’

Oscar Piastri makes his McLaren debut this season from Alpine after a switch saga final summer time; Piastri companions with Lando Norris in 2023; pre-season testing reside on Sky Sports activities F1 from February 23-25 ​​earlier than the Bahrain GP opens on March 5

McLaren’s Oscar Piastri has admitted ‘there might be rust’ in his rookie season in System 1 after not racing for over a 12 months, however insists he does not really feel any added strain following his controversial departure from Alpine.

The 21-year-old was Alpine’s reserve driver in 2022, however this season he might be partnered with Lando Norris at McLaren after changing underachieving Daniel Ricciardo.

Piastri involves F1 with excessive expectations after being the primary driver to win System Renault (2019), System 3 (2020) and System 2 (2021) in consecutive years.

On the launch of McLaren’s automotive, Piastri mentioned Sky Sports activities Information“I believe for the beginning of the 12 months, my first in F1, a brand new workforce for me, and I have not raced in over a 12 months, there might be some rust.

“I simply must give attention to myself and work with my workforce to attempt to get again on top of things as shortly as doable as a result of there are just a few issues with out racing which you could’t actually prepare.”

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McLaren has unveiled its new MCL60 for the 2023 F1 season

The Australian controversially signed for McLaren after rejecting a promotion to Alpine, with a court docket listening to – dominated in his favor – required to substantiate the method was authorized.

However 5 months later Piastri feels unscathed by what occurred and is now getting ready to race alongside Norris, who has shortly established himself as certainly one of F1’s high drivers.

“No further strain,” added Piastri. “Coming into F1 after earlier leads to the junior classes, there might be expectations.

“Whereas the drama has garnered plenty of consideration, it has nothing to do with my driving. The outcomes create expectation. I do not assume it provides something – I am approaching the season fairly comfortably.

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McLaren workforce principal Andrea Stella says his focus is on making the MCL60 a ‘quick automotive’

“As soon as the details had been out, it was clear I had performed nothing improper. Time is a healer.”

Piastri’s response to Alpine initially asserting him as their 2023 driver shortly divided opinion, however the McLaren hierarchy is stuffed with reward for the best way he has acted all through.

CEO Zak Brown mentioned Sky Sports activities Information“Impressed with the best way he carried out beneath strain and within the midst of unfair and inaccurate accusations.

“I assumed the best way he performed himself confirmed how mature, centered and calm he was. Since then, that is what I’ve continued to see. At NYE, he relaxes fascinated with the race.”

Pre-season testing will happen February 23-25 ​​in Bahrain earlier than the beginning of the season on the identical observe because the Bahrain GP on March 5. Testing in addition to all observe, qualifying and race classes might be reside on Sky Sports activities F1.