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Oscar Piastri’s Laid-Back Approach to Racing and Emotions in Formula 1

Oscar Piastri, the McLaren driver, has embraced a relaxed demeanor throughout his burgeoning Formula 1 career, noting that his emotional state can sometimes affect his performance on the track. His composed attitude has become a trademark, making him a fan favorite in the paddock, as he seemingly remains unflustered whether celebrating a victory or dealing with a setback.

Despite the outward calmness, Piastri revealed that he often keeps his feelings tightly controlled during races, recognizing that negative emotions can hinder his racing. “I have been [emotional] a couple of times through my career – when there are negative emotions, yes, it does have a negative impact,” he explained. He credits both a natural inclination towards calmness and a deliberate effort to maintain a relaxed mindset.

However, Piastri’s mental landscape isn’t solely filled with negativity. Following his recent successes, including winning in China and Bahrain, he’s found himself in an optimistic frame of mind. With just three points separating him from teammate Lando Norris, Piastri is being earmarked by some as a potential frontrunner in this year’s championship chase.

Reflecting on Emotional Experiences

“There are also positive emotions that are there as well, you know,” Piastri stated, revealing that his enthusiasm is palpable. He candidly shared, “I said after China, if you had a camera on me that you could see my face, I was pretty damn excited.” This insight underscores that while he maintains a calm front, there are moments of genuine exhilaration behind the scenes.

When discussing how he conveys his feelings to his team during races, he suggested that he doesn’t always share his complete emotional state with the pit wall. “The radio is a button for a reason, and you use it when you think you should,” he pointed out, hinting at the complexities of what drivers may keep hidden during high-pressure situations.

Piastri’s reflections come in light of recent conversations within the F1 community regarding how drivers express their emotions. This discussion was amplified by the incident involving Isack Hadjar, a driver for Racing Bulls, who faced scrutiny after a crash on his way to his debut race in Australia. While some criticized him for showing vulnerability, many in the paddock defended his emotional openness.

The Landscape of Emotion in Formula 1

This ongoing dialogue highlights the diverse attitudes drivers have towards emotional expression. For Piastri, maintaining composure appears crucial, blending innate calmness with professional discipline as he navigates the competitive world of Formula 1.

Source
www.autosport.com