What Oscar Piastri did in his first McLaren sim session that was seriously impressive

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Oscar Piastri has eased into life as a Formula 1 driver alongside Lando Norris and proven just why he was rated so highly by many in the paddock.

His junior credentials were impressive enough, but since arriving at McLaren, he has made continuous inroads towards his teammate and notched up two race wins.

It’s the exact type of performance that the Woking-based outfit hoped they would be getting from the Aussie when they signed him, and it has already helped him secure his long-term future.

He will be on the grid through 2026 at the very least, and he might even have the chance to win a few championships before then.

Oscar Piastri needed ‘no feedback’ in the first simulator run

Piastri has improved in a variety of facets since arriving in Formula 1, although his ability to look after his tyres better has probably aided him the most.

Being a better tyre whisperer aids him in the strategy department and opens up more possibilities – including being able to back up Norris’ championship charge better.

On the evidence of 2024, he’s been far better than Red Bull’s Sergio Perez at supporting the championship charge – the constructors’ standings say it all.

Speaking on F1’s Beyond the Grid Podcast, his race engineer Tom Stallard revealed the most impressive thing he did just after joining the team.

READ MORE: Helmut Marko warns McLaren about the issue they could have with Red Bull target Oscar Piastri

“One of the most impressive things Oscar did the first time he worked with the team, was he drove the simulator. They had a problem with the simulator that meant the lap delta wasn’t working.

“Within less than 10 laps, he was matching the lap times of our race drivers, matching the brake points, he just dialled all that in himself. No feedback, incredibly quickly.”

What are the next aims for Piastri?

Piastri’s next goals should be to beat his teammate on a more regular basis and to challenge for the championship if McLaren’s performance continues to trend in the right direction.

Not only have they been faster than every car on the grid for a while now, but they have been comfortably.

It’s why they lead the constructors’ standings by 41 points over a Red Bull team who are desperate for an upcoming upgrade at the United States Grand Prix to work.

READ MORE: Damon Hill predicts who’s going to win the US Grand Prix between Lando Norris and Max Verstappen

A few victories in the last six rounds of the season would do Piastri’s confidence a world of good and set him up well for the 2025 season.

It’s going to be the final year of the current technical regulations, so expect little development and a tight, competitive field – much like the 2021 season.