Piastri highlights key McLaren call in Singapore ‘recovery’

Oscar Piastri has praised McLaren for employing the race strategy that allowed him to finish in the Singapore Grand Prix podium after a difficult qualifying session.

The Australian started the race at the Marina Bay Street Circuit in fifth and ran long into the race. When he ultimately stopped for fresh rubber, he emerged behind the Mercedes pair of Lewis Hamilton and George Russell, who had both out-qualified him.

He made quick work of the two British drivers to help considerably improve McLaren’s constructors’ championship advantage over Red Bull to 41 points, with Lando Norris comfortably beating Max Verstappen to victory.

“It was a good race, a good recovery from qualifying… [which] wasn’t my greatest afternoon,” Piastri said after the chequered flag.

“To get back to the podium is a great result. I feel like we had a really quick car underneath us and a good strategy to get past the Mercedes’, so [a] big thank you to the team.

“Clearly the car was exceptional this weekend and some great points for the whole team.”

Whilst his team-mate had two scary moments en route to victory, Piastri kept it clean, opting for a low-risk approach after dispatching of the two Mercedes cars.

“No, I kept it off them [the walls] this time, I don’t think I hit anything,” he explained after the 62-lap race.

“It was a bit close with George [Russell] at Turn 1, but once I got into third, I had a massive hap to try and close up, so I didn’t wanna take too many risks.

“I feel like I’ve brushed enough walls in the last two weeks, so hopefully the mechanics don’t have to change too many bits before next race.”