Papaya no longer dominant
The overhaul of the technical regulations that Formula 1 faced before this season seems to have erased that clear aura of supremacy that surrounded McLaren from the middle of the 2024 season until the end of the last one. The papaya team arrives at this World Championship on the back of two Constructors’ titles won in a row and the Drivers’ championship brought home by Lando Norris, with Oscar Piastri finishing third just 13 points behind the winner and remaining in contention until the last GP. However, all these considerations must now be reset.
Read more Energy management: in Australia recharge limited to 7 MJ in qualifying
Speaking in a press conference on the eve of his home GP, in Melbourne, Piastri himself admitted without mincing words that he no longer considers his papaya car as the car to beat at the moment. The MCL40, in fact, would appear to be the fourth force at the starting blocks of this World Championship, behind all the ‘historic’ rivals.
“This is a very different regulation – Piastri wanted to point out – it would be very optimistic to say that we will have the same form as 12 months ago. I think we are in the lead group, but from the tests it seems that Mercedes and Ferrari have something more than us and I would also say Red Bull. But things change very quickly, because everyone learns and makes improvements to the car, so we will have to wait and see. Last year we came here with very high hopes of being able to achieve something special. This year I think we can still get a good result, but to get the same kind of performance we will have to find something more”.
Read more Antonelli and the goal of the first victory: “If we are competitive everything is possible”
A special GP
“How would I feel winning my home race? If I had a dollar for every time I’ve been asked… – Piastri joked during the press conference – obviously it would be special. Every driver wants to win their home race and for me it’s no different. Being the season opener, there is always a large component of the unknown. I would love to win here. If we have the car to do it – and even if we don’t – I will still do my best. But we will have to wait and see what kind of performance we have“.
