The McLaren driver reflects on a tense atmosphere involving Lewis Hamilton and George Russell after the Belgian Grand Prix.

In a recent interview with the UK’s Cosmopolitan, Formula 1 driver Oscar Piastri shared his experience of the most awkward cooldown room atmosphere he has encountered in his burgeoning career. With nine podium finishes under his belt from just 40 starts, the Australian rookie has already had his fair share of tense moments. However, none quite compare to the post-race environment following the Belgian Grand Prix at Spa-Francorchamps.

Piastri didn’t hesitate when asked about the most uncomfortable cooldown room experience, immediately recalling the tense atmosphere after Spa, where George Russell took the victory and Lewis Hamilton secured second place. The Mercedes drivers were on different race strategies, with Russell opting for a one-stop approach while Hamilton committed to a two-stop strategy. This strategic divergence led to a competitive battle in the latter stages of the race.

Despite Hamilton’s determination and pace, Russell managed to maintain his position until the end, leading Piastri to finish closely behind. However, the awkwardness did not stem from the race itself but from what transpired after they left the track. Hours later, Russell was disqualified due to his car being marginally underweight, a revelation that cast a shadow over his victory.

Reflecting on the cooldown room, Piastri described the atmosphere as “tense,” particularly given the circumstances. “I mean, I’ve not been in that many, but the most awkward one was after Spa,” he said. The meeting between the three drivers—Russell, Hamilton, and Piastri—before heading to the podium was charged with an unspoken intensity, as the reality of Russell’s impending disqualification loomed.

As Piastri continues to navigate the highs and lows of his F1 career, he looks back on these experiences as part of the learning process. With a growing list of podiums and the potential for further success with McLaren, the Australian driver remains focused on honing his craft and developing his skills within the competitive world of Formula 1.