Oscar Piastri preps for his F1 debut in a private test with McLaren at Circuit Paul Ricard

Oscar Piastri drives for Mclaren at a private test at Circuit Paul Ricard

Oscar Piastri is arguably the most anticipated Formula 1 rookie in recent times. The 2021 Formula 2 world champion was forced to spend a year on the sidelines as the Alpine reserve driver as the French team promised the youngster an F1 seat the following season. Although we all are now aware of the drama which happened, with the Australian driver eventually signing with McLaren to replace Daniel Ricciardo.

The McLaren Formula 1 team has spent the last few seasons rebuilding itself with the sight to compete for the title in the future. After the departure of Carlos Sainz from the team for 2021, the Woking-based team signed up Daniel Ricciardo to pair Lando Norris for the team’s future. However, Ricciardo struggled to match up to expectations, leaving the disappointed with a way lower points tally than the car deserved. As such the team looking for a replacement and Piastri was the perfect fit.

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After legal trials with the FIA Contract Recognition Office, Oscar Piastri was given a free pass to sign up with McLaren after Alpine’s failed appeal. McLaren then came to an agreement with Ricciardo to have him leave the team before 2023. This allowed Oscar to get the full time seat at McLaren for 2023. And as the season approaches, fans and critics alike are looking forward to the Aussie’s debut as seeing a rookie reject a team’s offer (Alpine) to drive in Formula is a rare sight.

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Oscar Piastri gets his first outing with McLaren

Piastri will be replacing his fellow Australian at McLaren next year

Thus a lot of pressure is on the Aussie driver to live up to the expectations put upon him. The Australian has garnered thousands of miles for the Alpine team in older F1 machinery and now his new team provided him with his first outing in orange at the Circuit Paul Ricard. Recently Piastri was spotted at Castellet as reported by Autohebdo. According to the reports, Oscar took part in a private test for the McLaren team at Circuit Paul Ricard on Wednesday and Thursday, giving the Australian two days of running.

The Australian driver was spotted in McLaren overalls without any sponsor labels as discussions still are taking place regarding his official date of joining the orange team. Piastri drove the 3.6km short layout on Wednesday before getting the whole track to himself on Thursday. The latter season was marked by some rain which fell on the Var Plateau. The testing however was not acknowledged by McLaren which is unusual as the team has previously announced its private runs with Alex Palou and Pato O’Ward.