Piastri targets championship leaders in McLaren boost

Oscar Piastri is "ready" for Formula 1 to return this weekend and is aiming to improve his position in the drivers' championship this weekend in Zandvoort. 

The Dutch Grand Prix marks the end of the summer break and will see all the drivers return to action, with Piastri having been on red-hot form before the shutdown. 

He heads to the Netherlands with a victory and a second place in his last two races, with the latter in Belgium having almost been a win. 

Piastri demonstrated exceptional pace both over one lap and in race trim in the last few rounds before the summer break, which has seen him apply some pressure on Lando Norris. 

Together, Piastri and Norris are applying the pressure on Red Bull in the constructors' championship, whilst the Australian has been catching his team-mate in the drivers'. 

Norris is in second whilst Piastri is in fourth, although only 32 points split the McLaren duo. 

Piastri had some real momentum behind him going into the summer break, with it being crucial for him to pick-up in Zandvoort where he left off in Spa-Francorchamps. 

If Piastri is quick from the get-go, he could be set for a very strong second half of the season. 

“I’m excited to get back on track," said Piastri. "It was great to take my mind off racing and relax, but I’m now ready to get back into action and take on the second half of the season.

“I was really happy with my driving before the break and it was good to get the win in Hungary and second place in Spa. 

"I’m looking forward to getting back in the car in Zandvoort as it’s always a good race weekend, especially with cool characteristics like the steep banking. 

"I’ll be working hard to keep on improving my position in the championship.”