Oscar Piastri overjoyed to secure maiden F1 podium at the Japanese GP, says he will ‘remember it for a long time’

Oscar Piastri was delighted to stand on the F1 podium for the first time in his career.

Oscar Piastri overjoyed to secure maiden F1 podium at the Japanese GP, says he will ‘remember it for a long time’

Oscar Piastri celebrates his Japanese GP podium with the McLaren crew (image via IMAGO)

Oscar Piastri made his highly-anticipated F1 debut with McLaren in 2023. The Woking-based team had a rough start to the year, with Piastri struggling to score points in the early rounds. However, the British squad has improved throughout the season as the Australian driver finally bagged his first podium finish. Piastri expressed his delight in securing third place at the Japanese GP.

The Australian driver was overjoyed with his first-ever Top 3 finish in Formula 1. Piastri thanked his team and fans for this special occasion. The 22-year-old mentioned that he will remember this feeling for the time to come. Moreover, Oscar Piastri credited McLaren for giving him the chance to make his debut with the team this year.

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Piastri said, “Thank you very much. It feels special, definitely. I’ll remember it for a long time. I can’t thank the team enough for this opportunity.” The Australian driver reckoned that the Japanese GP wasn’t his best race of the year, with the 22-year-old delivering some good performances. Nevertheless, the race at Suzuka brought him his first podium. Oscar Piastri stated, “I wasn’t my best race ever, but it was enough to get a trophy.”

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Oscar Piastri breaks down his battle with George Russell

George Russell was on a one-stop strategy at the Japanese GP. The British driver had secured track position in front of Piastri in the latter half of the race. However, the McLaren driver was determined to get past Russell to clinch his first podium. Subsequently, Oscar Piastri made an impressive move on the Mercedes and regained his position.

Oscar Piastri driving the MCL60 at the Japanese GP (Credits: @Formularacers_/Twitter)
Oscar Piastri driving the MCL60 at the Japanese GP (Credits: @Formularacers_/Twitter)

The Australian driver revealed he knew the need to go for it against Russell. Piastri claimed that this overtake set the pace for the remainder of the race as the 22-year-old built a healthy gap to the cars behind. The McLaren driver concluded, “The move on George, I knew I had to get past or I’d get stuck. The pace was strong after that. Excited to try and get some more.”

Oscar Piastri’s teammate Lando Norris finished the Japanese GP in second place. The two McLaren drivers brought home the team’s second double podium result since 2014. Certainly, it was an impressive day for the Woking-based team as the British squad tried to bring itself back to the front of the grid. Although, it remains to be seen how Piastri will perform in the remaining season rounds.

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