‘Best version yet of Piastri’ – Stella lauds Aussie‘s Suzuka resurgence

Oscar Piastri stormed back into the spotlight with a strong performance at Suzuka, prompting McLaren team boss Andrea Stella to hail the Australian as the “strongest” he has ever been in Formula 1 and an “inspiration” to McLaren.

In the ever-unforgiving theatre of Formula 1, redemption stories rarely arrive this swiftly—or this emphatically.

Yet under the bright skies of Japan, Piastri delivered a drive that not only erased the frustration of a disastrous start to the season but reignited belief across the McLaren garage.

After failing to even start the opening two races – first with a crash en route to the grid in Melbourne, then with a mechanical failure in Shanghai – the young Australian arrived in Japan with quiet resolve.

What followed was nothing short of electrifying: a front-row battle, a relentless charge, and a superb second-place finish behind race winner Kimi Antonelli.

For Stella, it was more than just a podium. It was a defining statement of Piastri’s evolution.

“Despite Oscar not having started the two main races at the start the season, based on what we have seen in testing, in practice, in qualifying, based on his overall attitude and mental state, I think we are seeing the best version of Oscar - the strongest Oscar since he has been in Formula 1," said the McLaren chief.

From frustration to inspiration

Piastri’s weekend was not without what-ifs. At one stage, victory itself seemed within reach, only for the timing of a Safety Car to tilt the advantage toward Antonelli.

Still, the composure he showed – holding off seasoned challengers with potentially stronger cars like George Russell and Charles Leclerc – spoke volumes.

"Finally, he had an opportunity [in Japan] to demonstrate it and he has done it at his full extent,” added Stella.

“Having gone through two races, especially in the home race, where you are not in condition to start, for a situation that was completely avoidable, it can really bog you down. But if anything, I think we have seen his steadiness, his strength and a strength that has been able to be passed on to the team."

Those words capture a deeper truth: this was not merely a strong drive, but a defining moment of resilience and leadership from a driver still carving his path in Formula 1.

Read also:

• Safety car leaves McLaren wondering: Could Piastri have won?

After the race, Piastri himself described the weekend as one of his finest, and Stella was unequivocal in his agreement – highlighting the ripple effect such performances can have within a team.

"The team gets a lot of inspiration from the charismatic leadership that the drivers can offer. That has been definitely a boost for the entire team," stated the Italian.

McLaren’s renewed belief

The result has injected fresh energy into McLaren’s campaign, even as the team reflects on the tantalizing possibility that slipped away. For Stella, the message is clear: the drivers are delivering – but the car must now rise to meet their ambition.

"Well done to Oscar for the way he has been facing this start of the season. Now it is the responsibility of McLaren and the team to offer Lando and Oscar, once again, a car that can compete for victories. I think we surprised ourselves, honestly, that we were in a condition to win,” he concluded.

"If we want to be in this condition in the future consistently, we will have to improve the chassis by a few tenths of a second. That is the aim, that we have in relation to bringing upgrades to the coming races."

As the championship battle intensifies – with Piastri chasing leader Antonelli – the momentum from Japan may prove pivotal.

More than just points, it has delivered belief. And in Formula 1, belief can be the spark that changes everything.

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