Why Baku was Oscar’s ‘best’ – 2024 Azerbaijan GP Review with Piastri’s Race Engineer Tom Stallard
Sep 16, 2024
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Join Tom Stallard, Oscar Piastri’s race engineer, along with Sky Sports F1 presenter Natalie Pinkham and ESPN journalist Juan Fossaroli as they dissect Piastri's thrilling Azerbaijan GP victory. Stallard reveals the strategy behind the nail-biting overtake of Charles Leclerc. They also analyze the dramatic crashes of Sergio Perez and Carlos Sainz, and how Lando Norris's rise from P15 to finishing strong impacted the championship. Plus, discover how Franco Colapinto made history for Argentina in F1.
Oscar Piastri's strategic late overtaking maneuver on lap 20 was pivotal in securing his impressive victory at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix.
Lando Norris's supportive teamwork was crucial in helping Piastri maintain his lead, demonstrating the importance of collaboration within the McLaren team.
Charles Leclerc's failure to maximize pole position due to car setup challenges underscores the criticality of race strategy and tire management.
Deep dives
Oscar Piastri's Control Under Pressure
Oscar Piastri showcased exceptional skill and composure during the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, earning his second victory of the season. Despite an intense race filled with competition and challenges, he maintained control and strategically seized opportunities, notably making a decisive move past Charles Leclerc on lap 20. Piastri described the experience as one of the most stressful of his career, yet he executed his tactics flawlessly, enabling him to hold the lead amidst pressure from experienced competitors. His performance mirrored a perfect balance of daring maneuvers and consistent tactical driving, culminating in a well-deserved win.
The Strategic Importance of Team Dynamics
Team dynamics played a significant role in the race, particularly with Lando Norris's strategic support for Piastri. Norris's ability to defend against Checo Pérez allowed Piastri to build and maintain a lead, emphasizing the importance of teamwork in achieving success. This collaboration not only boosted the confidence of both drivers but also proved pivotal in McLaren's standings in the Constructors' Championship. With McLaren now leading for the first time since 2014, this cooperative effort suggests a promising future for the team's competitiveness in Formula 1.
Charles Leclerc's Frustration and Challenges
Charles Leclerc faced considerable frustration as he was unable to convert pole position into victory for a fourth time. Despite a strong start and a good lead initially, Leclerc struggled with his car's setup and downforce compared to Piastri’s McLaren, particularly on the straights where the lack of speed hindered his chances of re-claiming the lead. His misjudgment regarding tire management and overall race strategy further compounded the difficulties he faced throughout the event. Ultimately, Leclerc's experience highlighted the critical importance of finding the right balance between performance and race strategy in high-pressure scenarios.
A New Era in the Constructors' Championship
With McLaren's impressive performance and their newfound lead in the Constructors' Championship, the dynamic of Formula 1's competitive landscape appears to be shifting. This marks a significant development, as it is the first time Red Bull has not led the championship in 55 races, emphasizing the effectiveness of McLaren's recent advancements. The 20-point gap created between McLaren and Red Bull signifies both teams' contrasting trajectories moving forward in the season. Such changes suggest a highly competitive atmosphere in upcoming races, as teams vie for crucial championship points.
The Rising Stars: Colapinto and Behrmann
The success of rookies Franco Colapinto and Olli Behrmann added excitement to the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, as both drivers scored points, highlighting their rising potential. Colapinto celebrated a significant achievement, becoming the first Argentine to score points in Formula 1 since 1982, which sparked immense pride and enthusiasm in his home country. Both drivers demonstrated remarkable composure on the track despite their inexperience, competing closely and finishing in respectable positions. Their performances not only showcased their skills but also reinforced the value of fresh talent in the sport, hinting at a promising future for Formula 1.
Tom Clarkson is joined in the Baku paddock by Oscar Piastri’s race engineer Tom Stallard, Sky Sports F1 presenter Natalie Pinkham and ESPN journalist Juan Fossaroli to dissect Piastri's sensational victory at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix.
How crucial was his late-on-the-brakes overtake of Charles Leclerc on lap 20? And why wasn’t the Ferrari driver able to take P1 back?
You’ll hear reaction from both Oscar and Charles to their gripping battle, as well as a very proud Nicole ‘Mama’ Piastri’.
Also on the agenda: why did Sergio Perez and Carlos Sainz crash on the penultimate lap? How did Lando Norris finish ahead of championship leader Max Verstappen, despite starting P15? And Juan shares insight into Franco Colapinto’s journey to becoming Formula 1’s first Argentine points scorer since Carlos Reutemann in 1982.
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