Piastri Ad’s Hidden Sledge Sparks Controversy: ‘Why Settle for Less?’
Oscar Piastri, the talented Australian Formula 1 driver, recently stirred the pot with a new Google Pixel advertisement. The ad subtly pokes fun at his previous team, Alpine, following a tumultuous transition to McLaren. Piastri, who competed for Alpine in 2022, denied their announcement that he would be their permanent driver for the 2023 season. His victory in a complicated contract dispute allowed him to secure a position with McLaren, where he has since enjoyed significant success.
Piastri’s Transition and McLaren Success
After joining McLaren, Piastri swiftly made his mark, achieving several Grand Prix victories. He came extremely close to winning the 2025 drivers’ championship, finishing just behind his teammate, Lando Norris. In stark contrast, Alpine had a dismal season, securing only 22 points, significantly less than Kick Sauber, which finished ninth with 70 points.
The Advert’s Impact
The Google Pixel ad captures Piastri’s enthusiasm for his career’s direction. It begins with him deadpan stating, “I know I don’t always show it, but winning does excite me.” A humorous moment unfolds as he enters a room where a picture of alpine mountains is swapped for a vibrant papaya painting, representing McLaren’s colors. His voiceover further emphasizes his drive: “So when I see a chance to get ahead, I will change things up. I mean, why would you want anything less than the best?”
Looking Ahead: Piastri’s Reflections for 2025
In a recent interview with Channel 9, Piastri expressed optimism for the upcoming 2025 season, recognizing the valuable lessons learned from his experiences. He remarked, “Obviously there were a few moments I’d rather have again – or rather not have – but I think on the whole, I’m very proud of what I was able to achieve.”
McLaren’s Internal Dynamics
Piastri also addressed McLaren’s controversial measures aimed at maintaining equity between its drivers. He insisted that external perceptions often exaggerate internal discussions. “But yeah, we’ve got our ways of going racing and it’s constantly evolving,” he shared. “We’ll do a review and we already have reviewed. Do we want to do things exactly the same? Do we want to change things a bit?”
Piastri remains dedicated to refining the team’s strategies to ensure success in the season ahead. As he prepares to compete in Melbourne in March, the excitement around Piastri’s journey continues to grow. Fans are eager to see how he will build on his achievements and face the challenges that lie ahead in the ever-competitive world of Formula 1.
