McLaren’s Oscar Piastri has recently shared his views on the collisions with Lewis Hamilton from the previous season, suggesting that the responsibility for these incidents lies with the Mercedes champion.
Despite this, Piastri praised Hamilton for his sportsmanship post-collisions.
The comments came during an episode of F1’s Beyond the Grid podcast, where Piastri expressed uncertainty over Hamilton’s feelings towards him, hinting at a potential personal dislike.
Piastri’s performance in the 2024 Formula 1 season has been noteworthy.
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The young Australian driver is currently ranked fifth in the Championship standings after securing a commendable fourth place at the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix.
His achievements include a victory in last season’s sprint race in Qatar.
Conversely, Hamilton has experienced a challenging start to the season, trailing behind his teammate George Russell in the first two races, with finishes in seventh and ninth place.
Reflecting on the incidents with Hamilton, Piastri recounted, “I mean I’ve crashed with Lewis a couple of times.
“I feel both of them weren’t particularly my fault.
“I don’t know, maybe he just doesn’t like me.”
Despite these incidents, Piastri acknowledged Hamilton’s respectful behavior, notably after a collision in Monza where Hamilton promptly apologized, a gesture Piastri noted as not common among all drivers.
Their interaction after a collision in Vegas, described by Piastri as a “bit of a 50/50” situation, was also highlighted.
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The discussion that followed was marked by mutual respect and an understanding of the situation, further showcasing Hamilton’s commendable attitude towards resolving track incidents.
Looking ahead, Piastri’s prospects are promising, especially with the Australian Grand Prix on the horizon—a race that marked his first points in F1.
His potential and current form have not gone unnoticed, with 1980 World Champion Alan Jones lauding Piastri’s consistent top performances and suggesting a strong possibility of Piastri achieving a podium finish in Melbourne.