Martin Brundle believes McLaren rookie Oscar Piastri gets involved into many skirmishes out on the track but reckons that when the Aussie gains a better control of his speed, he’ll be “mighty”.
Piastri has taken Formula 1 by storm in his rookie season, showcasing exceptional talent and maturity that have allowed him to often race on a par with his McLaren teammate Lando Norris.
The 22-year-old charger has consistently demonstrated his ability to adapt and excel, a quality that earned him his maiden F1 podium in Japan, followed by a second top-three finish in Qatar.
Beyond his on-track accomplishments, Piastri has also impressed with his level-headed approach and professionalism, handling the immense pressure of being a rookie in Formula 1 with calm and composure.
Brundle suggests that McLaren’s young gun is still a bit of a diamond in the rough, but his impressive performances in his debut season have set the stage for a promising future in the sport.
“Oscar Piastri scored fastest lap and had a super-aggressive drive from his lowly grid position,” Brundle commented in his Sky F1 column.
“He perhaps gets involved in too many skirmishes, this time a racing incident with Hamilton, but when he adds better control and judgement to his speed given more experience, he’ll be mighty.”
Brundle noted that Piastri and Hamilton’s quarrel in the Las Vegas GP, which led to a puncture for both drivers, wasn’t the only run-in that caught his attention during the 50-lap race.
Max Verstappen had a close call with George Russell who nearly wiped out the Red Bull driver when he turned into Turn 12 on lap 24 completely oblivious of his rival’s presence.
“There was contact aplenty even for the eventual winner Verstappen who made such an audacious move on George Russell that the Mercedes driver was only concentrating on controlling his own car and had no idea the Red Bull was on the inside,” Brundle explained.
“Russell would take a not-unreasonable five-second penalty which would spoil his great drive to fourth place and turn it into eighth, such was the proximity of the pack.
“A season full of promise but even more of frustration for George.”
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