Piastri reacts to McLaren's decision against a driver swap: 'I felt like I could do it'
09:03, 06 Apr 2025
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Kada Sárközi joined GPblog as an editor ahead of the 2023 Formula 1 season. He graduated with a BA in Sports Journalism in the UK and has covered Grands Prix and other F1 events live.
Oscar Piastri finished in third position at the Japanese GP. The Australian was close to the cars ahead, but did not manage to move up the order.
Until the final moment, the two McLarens were chasing Max Verstappen, but Lando Norris could never get close enough to be within DRS range behind the Dutchman.
Piastri also could not overtake his teammate, and crossed the finish line in P3.
"I think the pace today was good, was really happy with that. Obviously got close a few times, and tried to mount the challenge, but the track position around here is so important," the McLaren driver immediately after the race.
"Yesterday was the day you win the race and [we] didn't do a good enough job," he added.
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No driver swap at McLaren
During the final phase, Piastri told McLaren over the team radio that he has better pace. However, the Australian explained there was not much conversation about team orders.
"I felt if I had the track position I could go and get Max but that is what happens when you qualify behind. At least I asked the question, and I think it was a fair response [by the team]," he concluded.
This article was written in collaboration with Marnik Kok
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