Piastri echoes Verstappen's thoughts over 'tough' Qatar

Oscar Piastri feels the Qatar Grand Prix was the most challenging race he’s endured in his racing career due to the heat inside the cockpit.

Throughout the race, drivers struggled with the temperatures and many were spotted opening their visors at times to let air as they attempted to cool themselves.

The problems were so extreme that Williams’ Logan Sargeant opted to retire due to his struggles behind the wheel.

Piastri crossed the line in second place after starting from sixth, benefitting from cars getting out of shape at the opening corner to leap up the order.

Struggles for Piastri

“I’m very, very happy,” he said. “Turn 1 was nice. That was definitely in the game plan before the race.

“Really impressive pace, it was definitely the hardest race I’ve had in my life.”

Drivers were also forced to do maximum stints of 18 laps due to pre-race tyre findings from Pirelli, meaning a minimum of three pit stops were adopted for many drivers.

With the shorter stints allowing drivers to push harder than they normally would during a Grand Prix, it made for an even tougher event physically.

“It was hot,” Piastri added. “I think also, like Lando [Norris] said with the three stops, it was basically flat out.

“It was 57 qualifying laps which I definitely feel like I've done.

“I’m happy that all the tyres stayed together. That was good, obviously. Happy with another trophy.”