In a dramatic and action-packed Japanese Grand Prix weekend, Formula 1’s rising star Oscar Piastri emerged as the hero, clinching his very first podium. Despite it being his maiden outing at the legendary Suzuka circuit, Piastri displayed remarkable composure and skill throughout the event, culminating in a stellar performance on race day.
Photo credit: McLaren Racing
Piastri capitalized on his advantageous starting position, starting right behind Max Verstappen, however, his teammate Lando Norris managed to overtake him at the start of the race.
He still managed to be the first rookie since Lance Stroll in 2017 to clinch a podium finish.
After the race, he reflected on the massive achievement he managed to clinch, describing his first career podium in Formula 1 as a “pretty special” moment for him.
“It feels pretty special, definitely, I’ll remember it for a very, very long time.”
“I can’t thank the team enough for giving me this opportunity. There’s not many people in the world who get this opportunity in their whole life, and I’ve managed to have it in my first season. So thank you very much to the team. It wasn’t my best race ever, but it was enough to get a trophy in the end. So super happy.”
Piastri’s aggressive overtaking move against one-stopping George Russell, intended to reduce time loss to Leclerc behind, turned out to be a crucial pass that helped him finish on the podium.
He successfully controlled his tyres to finish the race in P3 after making this crucial manoeuvre, further displaying his maturity as a young driver.
When asked what it meant about thatpodium-deciding move, he added: “The move on George, I knew I had to try and get past, otherwise I was going to get stuck for a while.
“So that one was a bit close, but our pace after that was very strong.
“I think in the second half of the race I got more into a groove, more into a rhythm and the pace was a bit better. So very, very happy and excited to try and get some more.”
