Piastri targets Mercedes as McLaren uses lengthy F1 pause to regroup

Oscar Piastri is treating Formula One’s sudden early‑season shutdown as a valuable window to help McLaren close the gap to dominant Mercedes. The Australian endured a disastrous opening to the campaign, crashing en route to the grid at his home race in Melbourne and then missing the start in China because of an electrical failure. His fortunes improved in Japan, where he finished second behind Kimi Antonelli, reminding the paddock of the form that had placed him comfortably atop last year’s standings after fifteen rounds.

With the Bahrain and Saudi Arabian Grands Prix postponed due to the Middle East crisis, the championship is on hold until Miami in early May. Piastri, who turned twenty‑five this week, believes the pause offers McLaren a rare chance to analyse data, refine performance and prepare more thoroughly. He said the break allows the team to train, reset and return stronger once racing resumes.