F1 | Piastri: “There is confidence, but the real challenge will be on development”

After unveiling the new MCL38 that will contest the 2024 Formula 1 season, McLaren immediately took to the track for the first filming day of the year. The new single-seater thus covered its first kilometers with Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri who took turns at the wheel during the day, even though they had to deal with heavy rain which affected the progress of the shakedown.

However, the Woking team decided not to show much of the single-seater: the photos of the presentation were disguised in some places, while only one image taken from a certain distance was released of the car on the track, making it impossible to see the details. A profoundly different approach from that of Mercedes, which instead released several photos taken on the track, although, as per tradition, the renderings of the W15 present some differences with the real car.

Although the drivers clearly weren't able to get a concrete idea of ​​the car's behavior on the track, given the rain and the demo tyres, the first sensations are still positive. However, the most important aspect is that all sensors and systems, including the hydraulic and the various electrical elements, worked correctly as expected, without any particular critical issues. An important aspect before flying to Bahrain.

“It was good to start understanding the sensations in the car during the filming day, I felt good, everything went smoothly without any problems, we couldn't ask for more. Now I can't wait to get on track in Bahrain,” said Oscar Piastri on the sidelines of the filming day at Silverstone.

With a year now behind him, the Australian undoubtedly has more experience than twelve months ago, when he was making his debut in the category, after a season in which he had only been able to ride in private test sessions with Alpine. Piastri has already immersed himself perfectly in his new reality and this year he will also be able to count on the fact that he has already learned and taken the first references of many circuits that were unknown to him in 2023. In the preparatory categories, in fact, he had never raced in the Asian or American stages, while now he already has some useful information that will come in handy during the world championship.

“I'm much more comfortable than I was twelve months ago, now he has a year of experience under his belt. And I have one year of experience with the same team too, which is very helpful. I feel good looking at the season, it will certainly be interesting to understand how our car will behave and the values ​​of the other teams. But I think we are in a good position, with a good starting point. We are certainly more confident than twelve months ago,” explained Piastri.

Oscar Piastri, McLaren

Photo by: McLaren

Andrea Stella has already confirmed that the one taken to the track is essentially a first launch version, almost a base, because over the winter the engineers were unable to achieve all the objectives set on an aerodynamic level. During the season the MCL38 will therefore undergo an important development program, with the aim of making significant steps forward in those areas where the technicians believe they can dare more.

Piastri wanted to focus his attention precisely on this aspect, underlining how, although there is a certain optimism within the team, the real challenge will be the long-distance one, that is, continuing to grow throughout the season.

“I think compared to this same moment, but going back a year, the mood in the team is very different, particularly thinking about the second half of last championship. It's hard not to be optimistic at McLaren at the moment. Obviously we have to wait to see what others have done over the winter break, but if we can maintain the same level of development and progress as last season, then we can do very well. We hope to continue on this path.”