Piastri disappointed to miss out on win in Austria

Oscar Piastri was left feeling a little “hurt” at narrowly missing out on what would have been his first F1 Grand Prix victory at the Austrian Grand Prix, having finished just 1.906s away from winner George Russell at the line.

It proved to be a weekend of mixed emotions for Piastri who, after snatching P2 in Saturday’s Sprint from McLaren team mate Lando Norris, had looked on course for a top-three result in qualifying before his lap time was deleted due to track limits.

This dropped him down to a starting position of P7 but, after battling forwards during the race, the Australian then found himself in surprise contention for the win following a dramatic collision between leaders Max Verstappen and Norris which resulted in both sustaining punctures.

With Verstappen slipping backwards to fifth and Norris having to retire owing to the damage sustained to his car, this allowed the previously P3 Russell to take the lead, while Piastri overtook Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz for P2 and tried to chase down the Mercedes.

2024 Austrian Grand Prix: Russell crosses the line to take his second Formula 1 victory

He ultimately had to settle for second and, while pleased with his podium result, Piastri could not help feeling disappointed at being so close to a win.

“There’s a lot of what ifs and maybes, obviously starting from yesterday [after the deleted lap time in qualifying],” the 23-year-old commented after jumping out of the car. “I know that’s only my fourth podium in F1, but so close to a win, it hurts a little bit.

“But really good points, obviously. I think second half of the race we were coming on pretty strong and I’m happy with another podium – just when it’s that close you can’t help but hurt a little bit.”

SPIELBERG, AUSTRIA - JUNE 30: Oscar Piastri of Australia driving the (81) McLaren MCL38 Mercedes on — Piastri was just 1.906s away from Russell at the end of the Austrian Grand Prix

The 2024 season continues at pace next weekend at Silverstone, with the British Grand Prix marking the final event in a busy triple-header.

McLaren enjoyed a memorable start to the race in 2023 as Norris and Piastri surged ahead off the line, prompting huge cheers from the crowd.

HIGHLIGHTS: Watch the action from Austria as Russell snatches victory after dramatic Verstappen/Norris clash

Reflecting on the team’s prospects for their impending home Grand Prix, Piastri said: “Obviously it was a place of good memories from last year, and hopefully we can be up the front again. Obviously I haven’t seen what happened with Lando and Max, but clearly it was pretty even up at the front.

“I think we’re well and truly in the mix. Silverstone’s a track I always enjoy, it’s the team’s home race, so I’m excited for what’s to come.”