Piastri projects that McLaren “should be faster” at the Hungarian Grand Prix

Credit: Formula One

For the reigning constructor’s and driver’s champions, nothing has come easy so far this season. 

McLaren is used to dominating, and more notably, holding permanent residency on the podium. In the new era of regulations, however, reaching the top steps has become a rarity. 

Lando Norris had surprisingly strong pace last round in Spa, potentially even the best pace the team has had all season. Unfortunately, a combination of a 10-place grid penalty and a messy pit stop kept the reigning world champ off the podium.

As for Norris’ teammate, Oscar Piastri, that pace was harder to find. The weekend had its ups and downs, but ultimately Piastri also couldn’t reach the top finishers.

This weekend, though, McLaren brings new upgrades, hoping to narrow down the gap to the teams ahead. In Thursday’s press conference, Piastri gave a bit of a hint as to what we can expect from McLaren’s new package. 

“I think we should be a bit more competitive; we have a few upgrades this weekend so hopefully that puts us a bit closer to being able to fight,” he said.

Credit: Formula One

If Norris’ pace from last weekend is any indicator, then the addition of other technical upgrades should get McLaren closer to the party up front. When asked about the speed of the MCL40 challengers, Piastri was all smiles. 

“They should be faster, that’s all I care about,” he said. 

A valid desire from Piastri, as the pace of the McLaren has been hugely lacking so far this season. While they still have small advantages in the corners of the racetrack, straight-line speed has been close to nowhere compared to that of the Mercedes or even the Ferraris. 

Still, the team has had a few good moments sprinkled in. No race wins yet, but a sprint victory and a few podiums here and there have proven to McLaren that they can still be competitive. 

"I think we have been quite up and down as a team in general. Suzuka and Miami were our best two races, and in the first part of the year, we were doing a good job on what we needed to do," explains Piastri.

"But I think since then, everyone else has brought a lot of upgrades; we have brought some. Not all of them have worked as expected."

 Piastri concluded his thoughts by adding that while his own form has been quite inconsistent, the team’s focus is on ironing out those bumps in the road. If all goes to plan, that campaign begins this weekend in Budapest.