Papaya no longer dominant
The upheaval of the technical regulations that Formula 1 faced before this season seems to have erased that evident aura of supremacy that surrounded the McLaren from the middle of the 2024 season until the conclusion of the past season. The papaya team arrives at this World Cup strong with two Constructors’ titles won in a row and the Drivers’ championship brought home by Lando Norris, with Oscar PiastrI came third just 13 points behind the winner and remained in contention until the last GP. However, all these reasonings must now be reset.
Speaking at a press conference on the eve of his Home GPin Melbourne, Piastri himself admitted without mincing words that he no longer considers his papaya car to be the car to beat at the moment. There MCL40indeed, it would present itself as fourth force at the starting line of this World Championship, behind all its ‘historic’ rivals.
“This is a very different regulation – Piastri wanted to point out – it would be very optimistic to say that we will be in the same shape as 12 months ago. I think we’re in the top group, but from the tests it seems that Mercedes and Ferrari have something more than us and I would say Red Bull too. But things change very quickly, as 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 achieving something special. This year I think we can still get a good result, but to get the same type of performance we will have to find something more.”.
A special GP
“How would it feel to win my home race? If I had a dollar for every time they asked me…. – Piastri joked during the press conference – obviously it would be special. Every rider wants to win their home race and for me it’s no different. Being the opening of the season, there is always a large component of unknown. I would like 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 will have“.
