Why Piastri is prepared for 'tricky' Austria challenge

Oscar Piastri admits that the Sprint weekend format at the Formula 1 Austrian Grand Prix could make things "tricky", but believes that certain factors can help with the challenge.

The second Sprint race of the 2023 F1 season will be held at the Red Bull Ring, meaning that only one hour of practice will run on Friday before the Sprint Shootout takes the place of Free Practice 2 on Saturday morning.

However, having a familiarity with the track is something that Piastri thinks will be helpful.

"It'll be tricky [to have less practice time]," Piastri told media, including RacingNews365.com.

"I think at least Austria's a circuit we've all been to a lot – everyone on the grid, including the rookies, so that should make things a little bit easier.

"Also, [there are] less corners and the walls are a bit further away as well. But it's never easy when you only get one practice session.

"Saying that, it's what I grew up with in the junior categories in F3 and F2, so it's still not that abnormal for me."

'More comfortable' for races ahead

With Austria, Great Britain, Hungary and Belgium hosting the next four F1 events before the sport's summer break commences, Piastri is pleased to be heading to tracks he has previously raced at, though acknowledges that this may not necessarily provide an advantage.

"The next four circuits are all circuits I've been to and more than once as well, so that'll be nice," the McLaren driver said.

"In saying that, Barcelona was a similar story and our pace was not very good, so it's not a given that it will be better for me.

"Of course, it's a little bit more comfortable going into the weekend knowing these circuits a bit better, but everyone can get to the limit quicker and then be right on it."