[ad_1]
Formula One F1 – Bahrain Grand Prix – Bahrain International Circuit, Sakhir, Bahrain – March 4, 2023 McLaren’s Oscar Piastri in the pits during Pool qualifying via REUTERS/Giuseppe Cacace
MANAMA—Australian Oscar Piastri’s Formula One debut lasted 14 laps before his McLaren was taken to the garage with electrical problems in the Bahrain season opener on Sunday.
The 21-year-old had complained on the radio of a gearbox problem and was told the mechanics would replace the wheel when he pitted.
The stop then drags, with the pit crew waiting while seconds after changing the tire and nothing happens.
Piastri was the first to retire in what would become a record 23-race season.
“The disappointment is that it ended so quickly. We ran well, got a good start and made some good overtakes,” he said.
“I think as far as the electrical issues, we did a good job.
“We were hoping changing the wheel would fix it but unfortunately it didn’t.”
Piastri, who replaced compatriot Daniel Ricciardo at the team, said he still learned a lot from the experience.
“There are positives to take and the car seems to be faster in the race,” he said.
Teammate Lando Norris was the last finisher, in 17th place and two laps down on Red Bull race champion and defending champion Max Verstappen.
His car suffered a pneumatic pressure leak in the power unit which meant he had to pit every 10 laps to recharge the system.
“We had a few issues that we had to deal with, which actually took us out of the race, but we tried to stay in as long as we could, just in case there was a Safety Car or something,” he said.
RELATED STORY
Your subscription cannot be saved. Please try again.
Your subscription has been successful.
Read Next
Subscribe to INQUIRER PLUS to get access to The Philippine Daily Inquirer & 70+ other titles, share up to 5 gadgets, listen to news, download from 4am & share articles on social media. Call 896 6000.
For suggestions, complaints, or questions, please contact us.
[ad_2]
Source link