Oscar Piastri claims that Red Bull has become F1's “most reliably fast car.”
Following a series of impressive weekends for Max Verstappen, McLaren's Oscar Piastri asserts that Red Bull is now the most reliably fast team on the Formula 1 circuit, thanks to their recent enhancements that propelled them to the forefront of the timing sheets.
The Milton Keynes squad arrives in Austin for the United States Grand Prix just seven points shy of the papaya-colored cars in the constructors' championship race. After a sudden surge for Verstappen, who secured back-to-back victories in Malaysia and Singapore, the Woking team now finds itself under pressure.
During the press conference before the race at the Circuit of the Americas, Piastri expressed his belief that the Red Bull cars are the ones to aim for across the board.
“I think Red Bull definitely made a significant leap forward over the last triple-header,” he noted. “The upgrades they implemented on the car in Baku were very effective. They achieved a double podium there and won the following two races with Max.”
The Australian had anticipated Ferrari to set the standard at many circuits and was taken aback to see Red Bull in such a commanding position at this stage.
“It's clear that Red Bull was very strong, definitely stronger than us. So over the past few weeks, Red Bull has undoubtedly emerged as the most consistently rapid car. However, each weekend presents its own set of challenges.”
Andrea Kimi Antonelli, Mercedes, Oscar Piastri, McLaren, Lando Norris, McLaren
McLaren clinched the constructors' championship last year, but this season they are facing challenges with a car that reigning champion Lando Norris describes as "mentally exhausting".
The Australian indicated that their ambitions for a stronger finish to the season have been undermined by the swift advancements made by other leading teams.
“Midway through the season, we felt we were gaining some momentum and could potentially compete for victories and consistent podiums,” he shared. “But that’s often how it unfolds in Formula 1. You believe you’re back, only to find several teams around you pulling you down a few notches.”
Not everyone at Red Bull shares this perspective. Isack Hadjar, also present in the press conference, contended: “I don’t think we have the fastest car,” suggesting that Ferrari had shown greater speed in Singapore.
Verstappen will be aiming for another victory in Austin this weekend, while McLaren will be striving to hold onto their position in the standings.
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