Australian rookie Oscar Piastri has gracefully addressed Eddie Jordan’s suggestion that he could be Max Verstappen’s future teammate at Red Bull.
Piastri’s impressive performances, including back-to-back top five finishes and a maiden top-three race result at the Belgian Grand Prix, have caught the attention of many, including former team owner Eddie Jordan.
During the rain-delayed race at Spa Francorchamps, Piastri showcased his talent, leading much of the event after making a wise early pitstop decision.
Despite his skillful driving, he, like other drivers this season, found it challenging to fend off the relentless Max Verstappen.
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Eddie Jordan had expressed his admiration for Piastri’s performances and his potential as a future Red Bull driver, considering his manager Mark Webber’s strong relationship with the team.
In response to Jordan’s remarks, Piastri humbly acknowledged the flattery, saying, “It’s flattering to have those comments.
“I’m very happy where I am.
“But yeah, it’s always nice to be talked about in those kinds of ways.”
The 22-year-old rookie also reflected on his season, recognising that there have been some mistakes and moments he wishes he could redo.
However, he understands that hindsight makes it easier to judge such situations.
Despite these challenges, Piastri expressed contentment with his current position and progress.
“I think my season has been quite good for the most part,” Piastri stated.
“I think there’s definitely been some mistakes or moments I wish I could have had again.
“But, you know, with hindsight, it’s very easy to say those kinds of things.
“So, yeah, I’m happy with where I’m at.”
Acknowledging the learning curve in Formula 1, Piastri emphasised that there’s still much to improve and absorb in terms of driving skills.
He highlighted the valuable experience gained from having a strong teammate like Lando Norris, who acts as a benchmark and helps him elevate his performance.
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“Driving wise, there’s still a lot to improve, a lot to learn,” he said.
“I’ve got a very strong teammate [Lando Norris] to learn from, who just by being a benchmark is a big help for me getting back up to speed.
“So, yeah, I’m happy where I am, and that’s it.”