F1 | Piastri has first official outing with McLaren: My "comments inline with what Norris and Ricciardo have said"
The man who was in the middle of a tug of war for his services finally got his opportunity to get out on track with McLaren as he prepares for 2023.
Oscar Piastri got his first taste of running with the 2022 McLaren in the post-season test at the Yas Marina circuit. The 21-year-old completed 123 laps on the day as he recorded the 14th fastest time at the Abu Dhabi venue.
In spite of the contract controversy during the summer involving Piastri, Alpine and McLaren, the Melbourne-born driver got the opportunity today to run with his new team for next year.
Speaking in a media session after testing was completed, Piastri believes his feedback is similar to what Norris and Ricciardo gave throughout the season, but he is fully aware he's nowhere near familiar with the car yet.
"I don't really know, I wasn't allowed to listen," stated the Australian. "I think speaking with the engineers today, I think my comments are inline with what the other drivers have said, which I suppose is a good thing, that they're on the same page.
"There is still a lot of inexperience there in my comments, and I think that's a factor that definitely needs to be considered as well. I am certainly not getting to the end of today thinking I know everything there is about the car."
Piastri was asked about the differences between the 2022 car and last year's machines. He tested the 2021 car on a number of occasions as the reserve at Alpine.
As has been the case with other drivers, he admitted it was clear that the extra weight of the 2022 cars makes them more sluggish in slow speed corners, and they feel a bit more like an F2 car that he drove on his way to the title in 2021.
"I think there's definitely a noticeable difference," he said. "In the low-speed corners, you can tell [there is] the added weight.
"I think just with the stiffness and some of the other general characteristics of the car, in some ways it's a little bit more like an F2 car.
"But in the grand scheme of things, much, much closer to the old F1 cars. There's a bit of a difference, but it's still an F1 car at the end of the day."
"Hopefully it’s the start of a lot of good days!" 😁@OscarPiastri's message for all of you after his first day in the car. 🧡 pic.twitter.com/BTgCNtIf3z
— McLaren (@McLarenF1) November 22, 2022
