Oscar Piastri concludes his second season as a McLaren driver with mixed feelings. The Australian is disappointed with the outcome of his own race in Abu Dhabi, which was essentially over after a collision with Max Verstappen. However, Piastri is also pleased, as his team has won the constructors’ title for the first time in twenty-six years.
Oscar Piastri’s second season as a McLaren driver ended on a low note. The driver started second in the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. However, Piastri quickly fell to the back of the grid after a collision with Max Verstappen. “Truly an action of a world champion,” the Australian immediately responded over the team radio about the incident. The Melbourne-born driver ultimately did not finish higher than tenth place due to this.
“It was clearly a tough evening for me,” Oscar Piastri tells F1TV. However, the Australian isn’t too upset about his disappointing race. “At this point, it doesn’t really matter. I’m very proud of the entire team and that we achieved our goal. Considering how we’ve been able to improve our car and our seasons over the past twenty-four months, that’s certainly impressive. Not to mention that the last time we won the world title as a team was twenty-six years ago.”
Verstappen’s Apology
The Grand Prix at the Yas Marina Circuit ultimately became a catch-up race for Piastri, following the incident with Verstappen. The Dutchman tried to overtake the Australian on the inside, but in doing so, he hit the McLaren driver. “I looked in the mirror as I went into the corner, and I felt I was safe. Apparently, I wasn’t. I reached the apex and before I knew it, Max was there.”
Piastri reveals that Verstappen has already apologized for the incident. “There’s no point in dwelling on it for too long. I also had the incident with Franco (Colatpinto). I think we’re ready for a break.”
