Aussie F1 star Oscar Piastri reflects on ‘brutal’ debut season after rejecting Alpine for chance to drive with Lando Norris and McLaren

Oscar Piastri has reflected on his 'brutal' debut season in Formula 1 with McLaren after originally being announced as the Alpine driver for 2023.

The 22-year-old Aussie star, who finished ninth in the championship after a sprint victory in Qatar, won plaudits for his pace, skill and composure under pressure.

His decision to reject Alpine and sign for McLaren alongside British racer Lando Norris caused controversy at the start of the season, but was ultimately an excellent move.

“The first part of the season was undoubtedly difficult, but the turnaround in the car was remarkable,” he said ABC Sports.

'The desire is great to get this team back to the front on a regular basis and I have seen that with my own eyes.

Piastri says the first part of the season was difficult, but the turnaround has been remarkable

The Australian says signing a new deal with McLaren has given him confidence

“To see the team members from the podium and what it means to them to have their drivers there is a brilliant tonic.”

The Melbourne-born driver performed in a number of races, most notably with his first podium in Japan, quickly followed by top runs in Qatar, where he won the sprint and then finished second in the GP after starting sixth.

In September, Piastri signed a new deal with McLaren to keep him at the Formula 1 team until 2026.

“For the team to show their confidence in me and insist on securing my services until 2026, after just half a season in F1, was huge,” said Piastri.

“That has given me confidence and I can't wait to help push the team to the front of the grid for at least the next three seasons.”

Piastri knows he needs to be more consistent in his second season in F1 next year, and he is confident he can continue to improve.

“The goal for next year will be to build on everything I learned in 2023 and come back a better driver in 2024,” Piastri said.

“When the dust settles on this season, there will be plenty to think about, learn from and hopefully take with us into next season.

Piastri says his goal for next season is to become a better driver and achieve better results

Piastri was the first rookie since Lewis Hamilton to achieve multiple podiums

'The only thing I can ensure is that I keep that learning process moving and build on the foundations.

'A rookie season in F1 is brutal because there are so many new variables.

'The experience of dealing with those new variables for the first time this year should hopefully serve me well in the coming seasons.