OSCAR PIASTRI was left red-faced when he was denied entry to McLaren headquarters on his first day with his new team.
Piastri was drafted in as the replacement for his fellow Aussie Daniel Ricciardo for the 2023 season.
The 23-year-old was champing at the bit to get started for his new team, although his arrival at their headquarters didn’t go as he would have envisaged.
Piastri was left standing outside McLaren’s Woking base as he arrived for their car launch.
He put his hands on the window in an attempt to get the attention of staff but was told to use a side door to gain access.
The bizarre scene was captured in the latest series of Netflix’s hit show Drive To Survive, which F1 fans around the world are currently binge-watching.
READ MORE IN F1
Piastri turned up late for the car launch, which new team-mate Lando Norris was on time for.
When discussing his new team-mate, Brit Norris said: “Oscar Piastri. Another Aussie.
“He’s probably got one of the best CVs out of any young driver almost ever coming into Formula One.
“I’m going to be the veteran. I’m the old guy, he’s the young guy.
Most read in Motorsport
CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS
“It’s the first time in my career that I’ve had that sort of pressure.”
Piastri enjoyed a strong debut season for McLaren, finishing ninth in the Drivers’ Championship ahead of the likes of Valtteri Bottas, Pierre Gasly and Ricciardo.
During the filming of Drive to Survive, he said: “To be an F1 driver, it’s a very exciting prospect.
“I’m definitely pinching myself because it’s something I couldn’t have dreamed of even a couple of years ago.”
The 2024 F1 season begins on Saturday, with defending champion Max Verstappen looking to kick off his defence of his title with victory in the Bahrain Grand Prix.
Source: Motorsport - thesun.co.uk
