Starting in fifth for tomorrow’s Belgian GP, Oscar Piastri discussed McLaren’s performance. Despite achieving his maiden race win last weekend, leading home a dominant McLaren 1-2, the 23-year-old noted that the Hungarian GP was the only race in which he felt the team were clearly the fastest on track.
Earlier on in the season, Ferrari won in Australia and Monaco, with Mercedes coming more to the fore recently. Red Bull started the season with an advantage, and they remain strong.
“Budapest is really the only weekend for us where you can clearly say we were the quickest.
“I think even in saying that, I think had Max got through the traffic a bit quicker in the race, he would have posed a serious threat at the end.
“I think Mercedes have looked very strong, a couple of them, like Canada, Silverstone, looked very strong.
“Ferrari have been quick in certain races as well, maybe a little bit earlier in the season as well. I think it’s been incredibly tight the whole way through.”
“Some days we’ve made mistakes, some days Red Bull has made mistakes.
“Last weekend, I think our car probably favoured that track a little bit more. This weekend, it probably favours Red Bull a little bit more.
“So, all these little things put together is what’s making the difference at the moment. I think we just need to try and make sure we maximise the ones that are in our control.
“But I don’t think we’ve necessarily had the edge over them for the last 5 or 6 races. I think it’s fair to say it’s been very even.
“I don’t think we’re quicker week in, week out. I think, again, Budapest is really the only one where we have a bit of an edge.”
With Sergio Pérez on the front row and starting ahead of both McLarens, he has a huge role to play in the race. He’ll be looking to win as he looks to save his Red Bull seat.
If that’s not possible, defending against the McLarens will be key. Piastri is expecting a tough battle with the 34-year-old.
“Obviously, we’re in a fight with Red Bull in the Constructors’, and Max is leading the World Championship, in the drivers’ standings.
“So of course I expect Checo to put up a fight, I think even for his own sake.
“It’s not been the easiest run for him and I think of course, more than anyone, he probably wants a really good result for himself.
“So I think he’ll fight hard for it, but I don’t think any harder than he would if it was another situation.”
