Piastri: Tough Singapore ‘lives up to its reputation’

Oscar Piastri says that the challenge of taking on the Singapore Grand Prix "lives up to its reputation" following his maiden outing at the event.

Piastri, one of three rookies in the Formula 1 field this year, took on the Marina Bay Street Circuit along with Liam Lawson and Logan Sargeant for the first time.

The race is known to be one of the toughest events of the season due to the high temperature and humidity coupled with the challenging circuit.

Of the trio, Piastri finished seventh, Lawson ninth (for his first points in F1) and Sargeant was 14th having triggered a Safety Car.

Reflecting on the race, Piastri admitted he was relieved with the preparation he did.

"It definitely lives up to its reputation," the McLaren driver told media including RacingNews365.

"It’s definitely the toughest race of the year. I think I'm very glad with all the sort of heat-specific prep I did for this weekend. I think now obviously, I know what to expect.

"You always feel like you're well prepared but without doing the actual thing it's always hard to know. I'm glad I've got that experience now."

Piastri pleased with in-race performance

Piastri was eliminated from Q1 in qualifying, getting caught out by Lance Stroll’s crash at the end of the opening segment.

However, the Australian recovered in the Grand Prix to cross the line seventh, ahead of Sergio Perez.

"I’m] really, really happy. You know, I think starting 17th in Singapore is never the most exciting prospect," he said.

"So to come away with P7 after all that is a fantastic result. I don't think we could have done more than that. I’m very happy, it’s a great result for the team as well, great points.

"We had a really good start first lap as well, picked up a few cars and then we just were patient and had a Safety Car that was at the right time which helps.

"Some good fortune, but also some good moves, good patience and just capitalising when we had to."