The former pilots of Formula One Mick Schumacher and Valtteri Bottas have inclined the Oscar Piestri in Australia to challenge the world championship before Melbourne's Grand Prix.
Piastri, who begins his third season with McLaren, has quickly established himself as one of the brightest talents of Formula 1 since he debuted in 2023.
Winning two Grands Prix during its impressive debut season, including a memorable victory in Hungary, played a key role in the victory of the McLaren historical builders championship last year.
The 2024 triumph ended the painful drought of 26 years of McLaren, a victory made for its constant improvement throughout the season, which culminated with its domain at the end of Abu Dhabi.
He is no longer flying under the radar, with colleagues and champions that tip Piasstri to become the first Australian from Alan Jones in 1980 to win the driver championship.
Schumacher, son of the legendary champion of seven times Michael Schumacher, briefly tested McLaren's car in 2023 as a reserve driver and described the experience as “the best and most surprising car to drive.”
Oscar Piastri's companions believe that he can become the first Australian from Alan Jones in 1980 to be a crowned world champion of Formula One
Piastri impressed in his debut season and has been a rising star closely observed by his rivals
'I have also conducted the McLaren last year. It was quite impressive, so it's great, “Schumacher said.
Having crossed paths with Piastri during his years of training, Schumacher closely monitors his progress and predicts continuous success.
“I think it's a great guy and I think it's super, super friendly and does a great job in F1,” Schumacher said.
Bottas, who currently served as a reserve driver for Mercedes and a popular figure among Australian fans, echoed Schumacher's feelings, praising Pastri's quiet approach.
“It is very cold, it is a really pleasant guy and does not seem to play any game or do any policy,” said Bottas, highlighting the focused and professional attitude of Australia.
Given McLaren's performance during the tests, Bottas firmly believes that Piastri is a genuine contender this year.
“I think he has a great opportunity this year, based on the performance of the teams we saw in the tests,” Bottas explained.
Mick Schumacher, son of the great Michael Schumacher of the F1, has been impressed with the rise of Piastri
Valtteri Bottas also believes that the Australian has a real opportunity to become world champion
Guenther Steiner has praised the role that Mark Webber has played as Piastri manager
Bottas has gained popularity in Australia for its humorous personality, involving fans through fun advertisements, wearing a salmon haircut and enthusiastically hugging local customs.
Guenther Steiner, former Haas team director, also supports Piasstri, praising Mark Webber's role as his manager.
Webber, himself a former Australian F1 driver, brings extensive experience and knowledge, crucially helping Piastri to avoid possible difficulties in his career.
“That is very important because Mark can teach Oscar mistakes that he shouldn't commit because Mark made them himself,” Steiner said.
Steiner, confident in Piastri's potential, believes that the young driver can immediately challenge if he starts strong.
“This year, if you start well with your right foot,” Steiner said, “it can already be this year.”
For its part, Piastri is entering the season with new confidence and clarity after addressing the key development areas in 2024.
“It is definitely a clean slate this year,” said Piastri, recognizing that he feels better prepared compared to the previous seasons.
Piastri and McLaren will have strict regulations to adhere to this season that will challenge their world champion Tilt
Despite working to improve, Piastri believes that he has evolved significantly since his debut.
“I think of last season I went to them, now it's just about addressing them every weekend,” Piastri continued.
However, the way ahead will be a challenge for McLaren due to the restrictive formula 1 regulations designed to create a leveling playing field.
According to current rules, successful teams such as McLaren have reduced the time of the wind tunnel compared to the lowest equipment through the constructor championship table.
These limitations mean that McLaren must continue to develop your car efficiently to remain competitive.