Piastri hails ‘small margins’ for McLaren breakthrough

Oscar Piastri has hailed the “minute margins” which enabled McLaren to make a breakthrough at the Spanish Grand Prix, as the F1 rookie scored his maiden podium with a third-place finish.

The 20-year-old Australian, who won the Formula 3 title last year, was running in seventh place when the red flags came out after a crash involving Max Verstappen and Valtteri Bottas.

But a Safety Car period gave Piastri the opportunity to pit and fit a set of fresh tyres, and he took full advantage to move up the grid, eventually crossing the line in third place.

Piastri admitted the success was down to “minute margins”, saying: “It was an incredible result for the team. We were able to capitalise on the Safety Car period, and I am delighted to be able to get my first podium.

“We had a few small issues in the race, and the Safety Car came out at the right time for us. We were able to fit the fresh tyres and make the most of it. It was a great result for the team, and I’m really pleased with how it went.”

McLaren boss Zak Brown also praised the performance of his driver, noting the “small margins” which enabled the team to make a breakthrough.

“Oscar drove a fantastic race and was able to capitalise on the Safety Car to make the most of his fresh tyres,” Brown said. “It was a great performance from him, and it shows the small margins which can make the difference in this sport.”

Piastri’s podium finish was the first for McLaren since Carlos Sainz Jr took third place in the 2019 Brazilian Grand Prix.

Oscar Piastri accentuated the “minuscule margins” that enabled McLaren to secure a breakthrough at the Spanish Grand Prix, with the F1 rookie attaining his maiden podium by crossing the line in third.

The 20-year-old Australian, who won the Formula 3 title last year, was running in seventh position when the red flags were displayed after the crash between Max Verstappen and Valtteri Bottas.

But a Safety Car period gave Piastri the chance to pit and fit a set of brand-new tyres, and he seized the opportunity to ascend the grid, eventually concluding the race in third place.

Piastri asserted the success was due to “minuscule margins”, saying: “It was an outstanding outcome for the team. We managed to benefit from the Safety Car period, and I am absolutely thrilled to have achieved my first podium.

“We had a few slight issues during the race, and the Safety Car emerged in the right moment for us. We were able to fit the fresh tyres and make the best of it. It was a remarkable result for the team, and I’m truly delighted with the way it unfolded.”

McLaren director Zak Brown also commended the performance of his driver, citing the “small margins” which allowed the team to make a breakthrough.

“Oscar drove an exceptional race and was able to take advantage of the Safety Car to make the most of his fresh tyres,” Brown said. “It was a remarkable showing from him, and it highlights the small margins which can make all the difference in this sport.”

Piastri’s podium finish was the first for McLaren since Carlos Sainz Jr attained third place in the 2019 Brazilian Grand Prix.