McLaren recall 'head-scratching' moment over Piastri frustrations

McLaren team principal Andrea Stella has praised Oscar Piastri's performance at the Chinese Grand Prix in comparison to his 'head-scratching' display 12 months ago at the Shanghai International Circuit.

Piastri took his third career victory in China as the Australian bounced back strongly from a disappointing result on home soil the previous weekend when he was on course for at least second place, only to slide off Melbourne's Albert Park track in the rain, and end up ninth.

Whilst McLaren is looking to defend its constructors' championship, it is also seeking to add a drivers' title to its achievements, with Piastri and team-mate Lando Norris targeting glory.

Norris has four seasons of F1 race experience over Piastri, but the former had no answer for his team-mate during the race in China.

Praising Piastri's race management, speaking to media, including RacingNews365, Stella said: “His race craft and his overall speed have improved. At some stages, his questions related to the race [in China], were very punctual. 

“They were the right questions at the right time. So I would consider that as part of the race craft. They have improved over the winter. 

“There has been quite a lot of work. There is a long list of opportunities, a long list of races that you review - ‘Here we should do this, we should do that, these adaptations’.”

Last year in China, Piastri crossed the line in eighth place and was almost one minute off the race lead.

Stella outlined the difference in the year-on-year performance reflects the growth Piastri has enjoyed.

“For me, the biggest indication of his progress is 12 months ago here in China," he added. "I still remember after the race having a chat, one-to-one with Oscar, outside one of the hospitalities, and scratching our heads a little bit.

“We were saying, ‘There is a lot to unpick in terms of learning from this race’. 

“And looking 12 months after, I think we took all this learning and we capitalised.”