While the team has had a hugely encouraging start to the season, as it battles Ferrari at the head of the chasing pack behind Red Bull, its form has not been consistent.
Most confusing is the fact that at venues where McLaren expected to do well, like Suzuka, it struggled, while tracks like Shanghai where it had anticipated being on the back foot it actually proved to be quite strong.
Piastri feels that the puzzling nature of how it stacks up against Ferrari is something that McLaren should focus on understanding, as that could help it unlock better performances in the future.
“We need to understand why we're quick on certain days and not quick on other days,” said the Australian. “I think we've got some good ideas, but we just need to make sure our reasons that we think why we're good are actually why.
“We thought we would struggle quite a lot here [in China]. So it's very encouraging that Lando's able to finish second on a track we thought we'd struggle at. It's exciting for what's to come in the future, and with some new parts coming to the car, it's encouraging signs.”
Source: Autosport