Piastri F1 column: A proud moment for all at McLaren

It was really pleasing to be able to clinch this year’s Constructors’ Championship and the first team honours for McLaren since 1998.

Ferrari and Red Bull pushed us close but it meant a lot to be able to secure the title after a 26-year wait. It’s been a long time since McLaren had both cars fighting at the front and it’s nice to round off another successful season with a trophy.

This year has been a positive step forward in my development too. It was nice to record my first grand prix wins in Formula 1 and I’ve been happy with the consistency of podiums throughout the season.

The obvious highlights were Budapest and Baku but my drives in Monaco, Monza and Spa come close behind. The middle part of the season was really strong for me and those results give me a lot of confidence.

I feel my driving is in a good place. After two seasons in F1, there is plenty more to come and I’m really excited for the future.

Mika Hakkinen and David Coulthard celebrates last constructors title in 1998. Image: Motorsport Images

I want to express a huge thanks to all the team. They have worked incredibly hard throughout a very long season and all the achievements from this year are collective successes. Us drivers get the glory, but it is the result of a lot of hard graft from the travelling staff to everyone back at base in Woking.

The car was a pleasure to drive and I will certainly look back fondly on the MCL38. The team did a great job with it and it was great fun to compete in it.

I also couldn’t be more thankful for all the support I’ve received from McLaren fans. There has been a lot of papaya in the stands everywhere that we travel to, and a lot of people take a lot of time to write some really supportive and encouraging messages. All that effort is very much appreciated and makes a real difference.

In particular, I know a lot of people back in Australia wake up at some pretty unsociable hours to cheer me on, no matter what – it’s a super special feeling to hear of that dedication and passion.

It won’t be long before we are building up to the season opener in Melbourne in 2025, which I can’t wait for, and I’m sure that my home city is going to put on another great event, as it always does.

I’m more than a little biased but it’s my favourite GP of the year and the one I always look out for on the calendar so I’m excited that I don’t have long to wait for it.

Oscar Piastri at Yas Marina. Image: Motorsport Images

In the meantime, it’s time for a bit of a rest and some down-time away from motorsport. I don’t have too much planned other than catching up with friends and family but I’m looking forward to recharging the batteries and taking in some of the Australian summer.

I can’t imagine that it’ll be too long before the motorsport itch is back but I’ll be keeping an eye on the Australia vs India Test cricket series and the tennis when it reaches Melbourne in January.

There are another 24 races next year so I hope all of you are able to catch a breather in December and January and enjoy a wonderful festive period before it all gets back under way early in 2025. Take care. OP.

Piastri’s F1 column as published in Auto Action magazine issue 1901 on sale December 12 2024.

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