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Oscar Piastri

Piastri: 'Something pretty special' only way to defeat Leclerc

Oscar Piastri finished second in the Monaco Grand Prix to claim his first podium of the 2024 F1 season.

Piastri race Monaco
Article
To news overview © XPBimages

Oscar Piastri conceded that it would have taken "something pretty special" to defeat Charles Leclerc, who claimed victory in the Monaco Grand Prix.

Piastri started the race in second and survived an early scare with Carlos Sainz to finish where he started, representing his first trip to the rostrum this season. 

The McLaren driver had Sainz on his inside at the first corner where the slightest of contact was made, resulting in a puncture for the Spaniard. 

Whilst Piastri escaped a puncture, he did sustain some light damage, which he managed for the entire race.

Following a restart on the third lap after an opening lap red flag, Piastri controlled second well and dealt with constant pressure from Sainz, after quickly accepting defeat to Leclerc.

It was no easy task for Piastri, who was delighted to bring his car home in a Ferrari sandwich.

"Tricky race. The pace at the beginning was incredibly slow and I had one little half look before the tunnel," revealed Piastri. "But didn't have a small enough car to fit into a gap. 

"So yeah, thanks for the whole team. It's been a great weekend all around and nice to finally put a result on the board. 

"We've been very strong for the last few weekends but didn't really have the results to show for it. So nice to have a podium and what better place."

Qualifying thoughts

As for taking the fight to Leclerc, that battle was lost by not claiming pole position, as overtaking was just too difficult at the Circuit de Monaco.

The young Australian recognises himself that the only way he could have defeated the Ferrari driver was by producing the greatest lap of his racing career in Q3.

With this acceptance in mind, Piastri recognises that missing out on victory does make him think back to what he could have done better on his final qualifying lap.

"I mean it does but to be honest, Charles has been mega all weekend and they've been quick from the very first lap, and I think it would have taken something pretty special in quali to out do him," said Piastri.

"The opportunity was almost there but it would have taken probably the best lap of my life. 

"So I'm happy with P2, a good result for the team again and yeah, very, very happy."

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