Oscar Piastri is optimistic about McLaren‘s big upgrades at the 2023 Austrian and British Grand Prix, which is set to be very different to the car they have used in the first part of the Formula 1 season.
McLaren have predominantly been struggling with drag, falling below their minimum expectation of being fourth fastest.
They have slipped behind not only Alpine, but Aston Martin on pace and are 42 points down compared to their 2022 campaign after seven races..
The majority of the upgrades are expected to arrive for the British GP on July 7-9 in a bid to turn around the fortunes of the Woking-based team.
“I haven’t driven it [the B Spec] in the simulator yet so I’m not sure [on the difference to the current car],” Piastri told the media. “Hopefully it’s faster, that’s obviously the plan.
“I think we’re positive and optimistic about the new package we’ve got coming for Austria and Silverstone, so we’ll have to wait and see.
“But I’m looking forward to firstly driving it in the simulator when I have the chance, and then obviously on a real track.”
McLaren had previously stated their upgrade package in Azerbaijan put them where they expected to be at the season-opening Bahrain GP.
James Key departed from his role as executive technical director, whilst David Sanchez, who was formerly at Ferrari, joined the team as CEO Zak Brown split the technical director role into three parts.
McLaren have a new simulator and wind tunnel due to begin use at the start of July, and are targeting the 2024 and 2025 seasons to make a charge to the front of the grid.
