Piastri notes that Ferrari and Aston Martin have improved

Oscar Piastri has seen the area where McLaren has lost its advantage against its rivals, which are Ferrari and Aston Martin.

Although the Woking outfit have enjoyed a strong start to the season compared to 12 months ago, they have fallen behind Ferrari in terms of performance after finishing last year as the second fastest team, behind only Red Bull.

In taking 69 points from the opening four rounds, McLaren finds itself 51 points behind the Italian marque.

McLaren enjoys a comfortable advantage over Mercedes and Aston Martin in the constructors’ standings with more points for the two teams combined, but Piastri has identified one key area where McLaren has lost its advantage from last year – in fast corners.

“What has become clear in the last few races is that (high-speed circuits) are not important for us to be good anymore,” he explained to the media including. RacingNews365 at the Japan Grand Prix.

“So, let’s just say maybe the advantage we enjoyed in other high-speed circuits last year, I don’t think we’re enjoying it anymore.”

‘For sure Ferrari have taken a step forward’

The highlight of the year so far for McLaren has been Lando Norris’ podium at the Australian Grand Prix – Piastri’s home race.

However, consecutive fourth places in Jeddah and Melbourne have allowed the 23-year-old to stay within five points of his more experienced team-mate.

The most recent round at Suzuka was McLaren’s stronghold last term, with the team finishing second, but this year, Norris and Piastri could only manage fifth and eighth respectively, highlighting the improvements made by their rivals.

“I think Ferrari have definitely made a step forward in their high-speed performance. Red Bull, obviously, are still strong. Aston Martin have made a step forward in high-speed performance,” he stressed.

With F1 heading to China for the next round, Piastri will face racing at a new track. But with the championship being staged at the Shanghai International Circuit for the first time in the modern era of grassroots sports, the added uncertainty of a sprint weekend is expected to act as an equalizer between the teams.