Piastri rues costly error as Norris wins Australian Grand Prix
McLaren’s Oscar Piastri admitted he had only himself to blame after a crucial mistake cost him a potential victory at the Australian Grand Prix on Sunday.
The 22-year-old was locked in a battle with teammate and eventual race winner Lando Norris when he pushed too hard on lap 44 at Albert Park, running off onto the grass and surrendering his chance of a home victory.
“Pretty disappointing. It felt like for every lap, apart from one, I drove an incredibly strong race, just a shame to not have the result to go with it,” said Piastri. “I don’t have anyone to blame but myself. I was a bit unfortunate to get stuck (in the grass) the way I did. It was only myself that put me there.”
The error denied McLaren a likely one-two finish, but the team’s pace throughout the race reaffirmed their growing status as a major contender.
Despite the setback, Piastri recovered to finish ninth, earning two points.
“For me, the big positive is the other 56 laps of the race,” he said. “It felt like I had strong pace in all conditions. That’s what I will try to take away. Just a shame to not have a better result.”
McLaren CEO Zak Brown expressed sympathy for the young Australian, praising his performance.
“I feel terrible for him,” said Brown. “He drove such a brilliant race. He drove great to get back to P9.”
(Source: AFP)
