Oscar Piastri has admitted the disruption at other teams in Formula 1 has made him even more appreciative towards the “united” atmosphere that exists at McLaren.
Piastri is revelling in a superlative campaign that has seen him take six victories in 14 races to lead the Drivers’ Championship over McLaren team-mate Lando Norris.
Despite the duo being embroiled in a tense intra-team title battle, McLaren believes their improving relationship is a testament to the culture that has been embedded.
According to McLaren CEO Zak Brown, though, the harmonious environment that’s been instrumental to the team’s success is not common elsewhere in the paddock.
That culminated in Red Bull’s management ushering an end to Horner’s two-decade reign last month at a time when doubt still surrounded Max Verstappen’s position.
Elsewhere, Ferrari’s dire start to 2025 had prompted reports that Fred Vasseur could be replaced, while Mercedes, unlike McLaren, has not tied down its driver pairing.
Piastri, who penned a long-term deal prior to the season starting, revealed that he has come to value McLaren not having to contend with such unsettling distractions.
When asked whether the turbulence at rival teams made him appreciate the stable situation at McLaren, Piastri told media including Motorsport Week: “I think so, yes.
“I’m certainly very happy where I am. I was happy before with some of the movements and rumours that are going on.
“But I think it is a massive strength of ours how united we are, how strong we are as a team, from so many areas.
“It does make me appreciate it. I already did appreciate it beforehand. The stability is certainly a nice thing.
“I think just with more time in the sport, I’m understanding a bit better that stability is not always that common. It’s nice to have it at the moment.”
Piastri unperturbed by upheaval at Red Bull
Meanwhile, Piastri has insisted that he has not given much thought to Red Bull’s shock change at the helm as his attention remains fixated on securing a maiden title.
“I learn [the news] from everyone else,” the Australian recalled. “It doesn’t obviously affect me at all, but there’s obviously a change for Red Bull.
“I think Christian achieved a lot with the team in terms of championships and whatever else.
“But for me, it doesn’t affect much. I don’t want to spend much time thinking about it. It’s obviously a bit of a surprise, I guess, or a big change, but it doesn’t affect me.”
READ MORE – Oscar Piastri insists there’s no ‘trend’ to Lando Norris’ recent F1 championship inroads
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