Piastri Celebrates Summer Sun After Mixed F1 Season in Abu Dhabi

Oscar Piastri is looking forward to enjoying the Australian summer and watching cricket after completing a challenging Formula One season. The season concluded on December 3, 2023, in Abu Dhabi, where Piastri finished third overall, falling short in his pursuit to become Australia’s first Formula One champion in 45 years. His teammate, Lando Norris, secured the championship title.

Reflecting on the season, Piastri shared his plans to return to Australia. “I’m going back to Australia for a little bit, see my family and friends, give my annual hellos and goodbyes,” he stated to reporters. He expressed a strong desire for a break from racing, noting, “It’s been a long, demanding season. As enjoyable as driving the fastest cars in the world is, a break now and again is always a nice thing.”

With the cricket series between Australia and England currently underway, Piastri has been closely following the matches. Australia leads the Ashes series 2-0 and he hopes to attend the fourth test in his hometown of Melbourne after Christmas. “There’s part of me that kind of wants the series to still be alive by that point, and part of me that really doesn’t,” he remarked. “It’s been enjoyable to watch for the last couple of weeks.”

Looking Ahead to New Challenges

Piastri’s season statistics are impressive, with seven race wins, matching Norris and trailing Max Verstappen of Red Bull by just one victory. As the 2024 season approaches, the introduction of new engine regulations promises to reshape the competitive landscape. Pre-season testing and car launches are scheduled for January, with the season opener set for March 8, 2024, in Australia.

McLaren begins the new season as the reigning double constructors’ champions. Piastri is eager to challenge his teammate for the championship title. He acknowledged Norris’s successful season but emphasized that competition within the team remains healthy. “He’s still Lando Norris. It’s not like he’s become Superman,” Piastri noted, expressing confidence in the team’s commitment to a fair competition.

Piastri also reflected on the benefits of racing alongside Norris, stating that the intense rivalry has improved his performance. “Sometimes that’s been uncomfortable for everyone, but ultimately, yeah, it’s been a good thing,” he explained. He anticipates continuing discussions with the team during the off-season to refine their strategies for the upcoming year.

Overall, Piastri’s focus is on recharging during the off-season, preparing for the fresh challenges that lie ahead. “At the end of the day, they gave us both as good a chance as the team could have to fairly fight for a world championship, and that’s all you can ask for,” he concluded.