Piastri F1 column: Chasing the title

IT’S TIGHT at the top of the Constructors’ Championship with three teams pushing for top spot and we are going to need to be at our best in the final three races.

Ferrari and Red Bull are there and pushing hard so we need to keep picking up solid points at each race.

The last time McLaren clinched the Teams’ Championship was back in 1998 with Mika Häkkinen and David Coulthard in the MP4-13 and so, it would be a great reward for the whole team. So much effort has gone in back at base in Woking.

McLaren has eight constructors’ titles to its name but to become part of the team’s history in a small way and add a ninth would be a huge honour, especially after 26 years.

There’s a really good atmosphere within the team and it would be nice reward to secure some silverware and hopefully use it as a springboard to kick on in years to come.

We are in the best position currently but it can all change in an instant, so we are very much staying alert and ready for the challenges ahead.

An enormous amount of effort has gone into the season so far and we are determined to finish it strongly and be fighting at the sharp end across Las Vegas, Qatar and Abu Dhabi. Every time I visit MTC, you can see that hunger, hard work and determination.

On an individual level, I want to push for more wins and podiums and add to the two GP wins and seven podiums before the season is out. Momentum is important and I want to go into next season off the back of three strong races in 2024.

I’m currently fourth in the Drivers’ Championship, and while it is going to be hard to overtake Charles into third, I want to push that fight all the way.

A bit of time has passed since the chaotic race in Brazil which was eventful to say the least. The highlight for me was obviously the Sprint qualifying pole on Friday evening and a solid Sprint race on Saturday. I wanted more from Sunday but it was key to pick up points, add to the constructors’ tally and move onto Las Vegas.

Since then, I’ve been resting at home and getting some fitness training in prior to the last triple-header of the season which I’m really looking forward to.

In 2023, I managed to sneak into the points in Las Vegas, Qatar was a great race and Abu Dhabi was solid but I am hoping to improve on all three.

I’ll be wearing my special ‘Route 81’ helmet that I also wore in Austin at the USGP. Half of the helmet displays night time in Nevada with the Las Vegas Strip in the background.

I’m sure Vegas is going to be a busy race on and off-track as it definitely brought something different and unique to the calendar last year.

Thanks as ever for all the support and all the messages that I receive in the mail and online. Take care. OP

Piastri’s F1 column as published in Auto Action magazine issue 1899 on sale November 14 2024.

Head to Oscar’s official website for the latest news and his new range of merchandise store.oscarpiastri.com 

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