The McLaren team, led by Andrea Stella, not only surprised fans but also their own staff at the Japanese Grand Prix. Piastri, in his first race of the season, achieved a second-place finish, showcasing impressive pace. The Papaya team achieved its best result of the season in Suzuka, demonstrating significant progress.

Piastri led the race in the initial stages, generating expectations of victory. However, an ill-timed safety car relegated him to second place, although his pace was consistent throughout the weekend, matching that of the Mercedes drivers.

Stella highlighted Piastri's ability to defend against the Mercedes, despite missing the opportunity to win. The team found themselves in an unexpected position to fight for victory after facing a double retirement the previous week. Stella emphasized the surprise in the garage during the first stage of the race, indicating that they even surpassed Russell at times. This led the team to consider the possibility of winning the race, demonstrating their competitiveness.

Stella expressed doubts about Piastri's chances against Kimi Antonelli, who demonstrated superior pace. The team boss acknowledged that it would not be known if victory was possible without the safety car. However, he highlighted Piastri's ability to compete against Russell. Antonelli, on the other hand, had a faster pace than anyone else, suggesting he could have competed for the win. Despite the questions, Stella emphasized that the team focuses on the positives.

Stella stated: “We will not know whether Oscar could have won the race or not. Ultimately, it doesn’t make a big difference. I think today we should just take the positives.” This podium is a much-needed boost for the team, which is preparing for a long break before the resumption of Formula 1 at the Miami Grand Prix in May.

Piastri's second place in Suzuka is a significant achievement for McLaren, and the team hopes to maintain this positive momentum. The team will seek to match or surpass Mercedes' performance at the Miami Grand Prix. The team focuses on the positives and the progress made. The team is determined to capitalize on this success and fight for victory in the upcoming races of the season. With the performance demonstrated in Suzuka, McLaren positions itself as a strong contender in Formula 1, ready to face future challenges.