Oscar Piastri has stated he is keen to enjoy more success in his third F1 season, having had a “taste” during the early stage of his career.
Piastri returns to McLaren this year in partnership with Lando Norris, with the duo looking to defend the constructors’ title it clinched in 2024.
However, McLaren is also being tipped to be a key player in the fight for the drivers’ title from the start of the campaign.
Piastri won two grands prix last year and has bagged a further eight podiums during his young career.
The Australian stepped behind the wheel of the MCL39, McLaren’s challenger for the upcoming season, at Silverstone on Thursday as part of the Woking-based squad’s launch event.
“It’s great to get behind the wheel of the MCL39 for the first time ahead of us putting it through its paces in Bahrain,” he said.
“The camo livery looks cool and I am excited to showcase what we’ll be racing in this season at the official livery reveal next week [at F1 75 from London].”
Norris has so far held the upper hand in the intra-team driver fight – but Piastri has signalled he is ready to take another step forward this season.
“I have been working hard in the off-season to ensure I am ready for the season ahead,” he declared.
“The margins at the top are likely to be incredibly tight but I’m excited by the room for growth after two seasons in the sport.
“Winning grands prix early in my career has given me the taste for success and I want much more.
“As a team, we can take great momentum into 2025 after such a brilliant year in 2024. A big thank you to everyone back at base and trackside for all the hard work that’s been done so far.”
