The intensity of competing for a Formula 1 championship mirrors the title battles of junior categories, according to Oscar Piastri. He emphasizes that a key difference lies in the intra-team dynamic with his McLaren teammate,Lando Norris.

Piastri‘s ascent through the ranks saw him clinch consecutive titles in the 2019 Formula Renault Eurocup, 2020 Formula 3, and 2021 Formula 2 seasons. He then spent 2022 as alpine’s reserve driver.

During his victorious 2020 Formula 3 campaign, Piastri faced competition from fellow Prema driver Logan Sargeant. Though, the dynamics at that level differ significantly, with drivers primarily competing as individuals, frequently enough having funded their own drives.

The Australian driver has reflected on the necessary mental adjustments between his junior titles. While his F3 campaign was characterized by leading from start to finish, his F2 title required adapting to the strategic complexities of tire management.

Piastri draws parallels between those championships and his current F1 title pursuit,noting the increased importance of the team element. He states that the focus at the highest level is now on securing victory in every race.

Intra-Team Rivalry Adds Complexity

“In many ways, it feels quite similar to championships I’ve competed for in the past. I think for me, the major difference is that this is the first time I’ve really raced a teammate so hard for a championship,” Piastri told Motorsport.com.

“I raced against Logan Sergeant for the championship in F3, but there’s much less involved before you get to F1. There are no pit stops, no strategy; it’s purely about going out and trying to beat each other and finish ahead.”

“In F1,you’ve got the added complication of strategy. You’ve got a bunch of different things that can influence results, so that’s been quite a different dynamic in some ways.”

“This is the first time I’ve really raced a teammate so hard for a championship.”

“It has placed a lot of importance on certain things: being ahead before the pit stops, taking risks at certain points, not taking risks. That’s been quite a different mentality in some ways, but ultimately, the position I’m in feels very familiar in trying to secure a championship.”

“I know the things that have worked for me in the past have not been the same things in every championship, so that’s kind of been the thing for me: there’s not one way of trying to do it.”