Suzuka Circuit, Suzuka, Japan : Oscar Piastri is using Formula One’s unexpected early-season pause as a chance for McLaren to regroup and close the gap to dominant rivals Mercedes.
The 25-year-old Australian has endured a mixed start to the season—crashing before the race in Melbourne and failing to start in China due to technical issues. However, he bounced back impressively in Japan, finishing second behind Kimi Antonelli and reminding fans of the form that made him a title contender last year.
The current break in the calendar—caused by disruptions that postponed the Bahrain and Saudi Arabian Grands Prix—has given teams valuable time to reassess before racing resumes in Miami in early May.
Piastri sees this pause as a key opportunity. With a short off-season behind them, he believes McLaren can use the extra time to analyse early-season performance and improve their competitiveness against a Mercedes team that has swept all three races so far.
Last season, Piastri looked on course for the title after winning seven of the first 15 races, but momentum shifted late in the year. His teammate Lando Norris ultimately secured the championship, while Max Verstappen surged late for Red Bull Racing, leaving Piastri third overall.
Reflecting on that experience, Piastri described it as humbling but valuable. He emphasized that even with the fastest car, execution must be near perfect—something McLaren is working to refine as they aim to challenge Mercedes when the season resumes.
Off the track, Piastri’s rising profile was underlined after being named Australia’s top-earning sportsperson by Sydney Morning Herald, capping a remarkable period in his career.
