‘I made life difficult’ - Oscar Piastri highlights critical priority for F1 campaign ahead

Oscar Piastri has detailed he is focusing on his qualifying performance as he goes in the hunt for his first F1 drivers' title.

McLaren is being tipped as a favourite to contend for both championships this year after topping the constructors' standings in 2024.

However, Piastri was frequently out-paced by team-mate Norris last season, losing the head-to-head battle 21-3.

While the Australian understands the need to improve across all sectors, he highlighted his qualifying deficit as a key shortcoming he must fix for the new season.

“I think, to be honest, across the two seasons I’ve had, the story has been a little bit different,” he told media including RacingNews365.

“Obviously last season, I made life difficult for myself in qualifying a lot of the year.

“I felt like I improved myself as a driver in a lot of other areas, and I was able to show what I’m capable of in a lot of other areas.

“So it’s about improving across the board, making sure I qualify a bit better is probably a higher priority.”

Piastri noted it is “naive” not to prepare for a championship fight this year as McLaren targets its first drivers' title since 2008.

The 23-year-old acknowledged a lack of consistency has been his downfall during his first two seasons.

“There are things that I can improve that will help me, not just in qualifying, but in general. So I think that’s that’s what I need to do,” he said.

“I know that on the weekends when I get everything together and put my best foot forward, I can be the best out there.

“It’s just about trying to make sure I put that best foot forward every time I’m on track.”