OSCAR PIASTRI on Pitstop Podcast !! - PART 2

This is Part 2 of our episode with 2023 McLaren Driver Oscar Piastri! We've wanted Oscar on the podcast for a long time and are so glad we had this time with him to sit down and speak about his journey into Formula 1. There is no doubt that the young Australian driver is one of the most exciting talents to ever join the F1 grid. We can't wait to watch him race with Lando Norris next year at McLaren and hope you guys enjoy this EXCLUSIVE interview before Oscar Piastri enters Formula 1 off the back of 3 world championships in a row. A massive thank you to Oscar for coming to our flat and for giving us your time. Also a big thank you to Oscar's team you have been great and thank you for helping us make this happen! If you haven't heard Part 1 yet, Go check it out first! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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# Formula One Podcast Episode Transcript Summary

## Part Two: Oscar's Journey Through the Formula Series

### DRS Problems in Formula 3

- Oscar experienced consistent DRS issues during his first six rounds in Formula 3, leading to frustrations and humorous tweets about the situation.
- The problems ranged from the DRS opening and closing repeatedly during a qualifying lap to the entire car shutting down during practice and qualifying sessions.
- Despite the challenges, Oscar maintained a positive attitude and turned the situation into light-hearted jokes, which gained significant attention and coverage.

### Racing Against Grand New Joe

- Oscar and Grand New Joe were fierce competitors during their time in Formula 3, often battling for positions on the track.
- One memorable incident occurred in Bahrain, where Oscar, Joe, and Christian Lungard, all Alpine Academy drivers, were involved in a thrilling three-way battle for the lead.
- Oscar described Joe as a predictable and fair racer, acknowledging that they didn't have many on-track battles due to their similar qualifying positions.
- He expressed excitement about the prospect of racing against Joe and other drivers in Formula 1.

### Prema Team Atmosphere

- Oscar praised the Prema team for their professionalism, fast race cars, and supportive atmosphere.
- He highlighted the team's ability to create a fun and relaxed environment, which helped alleviate the pressure and reminded drivers of the joy of racing.
- Oscar attributed his successful two years with Prema to the team's positive atmosphere and the strong relationships he formed with the staff.

### F2 Season Highlights

- Oscar's F2 season was incredibly successful, with 13 podiums, 6 wins, and 5 pole positions in a row.
- He acknowledged that qualifying was more challenging for him initially, as he had not secured any pole positions in Formula 3.
- Oscar emphasized the importance of qualifying well, as it can significantly impact the outcome of the race and the driver's overall championship position.
- He enjoys the mental challenge of putting everything together, including technical aspects, engineering relationships, and the right mindset, to achieve success on the track.

### Technical Side of Formula One Cars

- Oscar believes that drivers should have a basic understanding of the technical aspects of their cars but should not attempt to become engineers themselves.
- He emphasizes the importance of communicating effectively with engineers to convey the car's handling characteristics and needs without getting too involved in the technical details.
- Oscar acknowledges that the technical side of Formula One has evolved, with teams relying on numerous engineers to analyze data and make adjustments.

### Rookie Year Game Plan in Formula 1

- Oscar expressed excitement about joining the Formula 1 grid in 2023, recognizing the significance of being one of only 20 drivers in the world.
- He acknowledged the challenges ahead, particularly considering McLaren's current car performance, but remained hopeful for a strong season.
- Oscar plans to learn from his experienced teammate, Lando Norris, and aims to adapt quickly to the demands of Formula 1 racing.
- He is optimistic about his ability to get back into the racing groove after a year out and is eager to prove himself on the track. # **The Pit Stop Podcast: Exclusive Interview with Rising F1 Star Oscar Piastri**

## **Episode Summary:**

In this captivating episode of the Pit Stop Podcast, hosts Jake Boys and Fabio Bocca engage in an insightful conversation with Oscar Piastri, the highly acclaimed Formula 2 Champion and McLaren's latest signing for the 2023 Formula 1 season. Piastri candidly shares his thoughts, experiences, and aspirations as he prepares to embark on the pinnacle of motorsport.

## **Key Insights and Perspectives:**

1. **Drive to Survive and Its Impact:**
- Piastri acknowledges the immense popularity and influence of the Netflix series Drive to Survive in attracting new fans and enhancing the sport's global appeal. He believes it has been a massive success story for F1.

2. **Adjusting to the Media Spotlight:**
- Piastri reflects on the significant increase in media attention he has experienced since his F1 announcement. He acknowledges that it can be overwhelming at times but recognizes the importance of engaging with fans and promoting the sport.

3. **Stepping into the F1 World Stage:**
- Piastri expresses excitement and anticipation about joining the F1 grid, recognizing that it represents a significant step up in terms of fame and recognition. He acknowledges the pressure and expectations that come with being a high-profile driver but remains focused on his racing.

4. **Balancing Risk and Reward:**
- When asked about how he separates risk from reward while driving at high speeds, Piastri emphasizes the importance of maintaining focus and minimizing distractions. He admits that the danger aspect rarely crosses his mind during races and that his primary concern is optimizing performance and avoiding mistakes.

5. **Helmet Design and Significance:**
- Piastri shares the story behind his distinctive red, yellow, and blue helmet design, which originated from a pre-painted helmet he purchased after a karting crash. He explains that the colors stuck with him throughout his career and have become synonymous with his racing identity.

6. **Looking Forward to Racing with Lando Norris:**
- Piastri expresses enthusiasm about the prospect of racing alongside Lando Norris at McLaren. He praises Norris' speed and talent and views him as a challenging but fair competitor. Piastri believes that their partnership can be a positive force for the team and help drive McLaren forward.

7. **The Importance of Family Support:**
- Piastri acknowledges the unwavering support he has received from his family throughout his racing journey. He emphasizes the sacrifices they have made to facilitate his career and credits them for his success. Piastri also highlights the importance of maintaining a balance between racing and personal life.

8. **Number 81: A Personal Choice:**
- Piastri reveals his intention to race with the number 81 in F1, a number he has used earlier in his career. He explains that it is a unique and rare number that holds sentimental value for him.

9. **Potential Rookie Additions to the F1 Grid:**
- Piastri hints at the possibility of additional rookies joining the F1 grid in 2023, beyond the confirmed arrival of Nick De Vries at Williams. He acknowledges the speculation surrounding open seats at teams like Haas and Williams but refrains from providing specific details.

## **Overall Message:**

The episode provides an insightful glimpse into the world of Oscar Piastri, a rising star in Formula 1. Piastri's candidness and enthusiasm shine through as he discusses his journey, aspirations, and the challenges he faces as he prepares to enter the pinnacle of motorsport. The interview highlights the importance of family support, mental focus, and embracing the opportunities that come with being a high-profile athlete.