Oscar Piastri & Pedro Acosta in conversation with Tom Clarkson [FULL INTERVIEW]

Summary

In this engaging conversation, Formula 1 driver Oscar Piastri and MotoGP rider Pedro Acosta discuss their experiences and challenges in their respective sports. They reflect on the adrenaline of high speeds, the complexities of their vehicles, and their journeys from junior categories to the top of their fields. Both athletes share insights on momentum, the transition to higher levels of competition, and their ambitions for the future. The video also touches on their excitement about karting, their partnership with Quadlock, and the differences between racing on two wheels versus four.

Takeaways

• 🏎️ Oscar Piastri and Pedro Acosta are preparing for a karting session and discussing their experiences in motorsport.
• 🛞 Pedro Acosta is relatively new to karting, coming from a MotoGP background, but he's excited about the challenge.
• 🇪🇸 Pedro’s interest in Formula 1 grew when Fernando Alonso returned, sparking more interest in F1 in Spain.
• 🏆 Oscar Piastri has had a strong 2024 season with a win in Hungary and several podiums, showing his progress in Formula 1.
• 🏁 Pedro Acosta had an impressive start in MotoGP, with a podium in his second race, and is gaining momentum as the season progresses.
• 🚀 Both drivers discussed the significant step up from junior categories to their respective top levels in F1 and MotoGP, emphasizing the increased team size and technical complexity.
• ⚡ Oscar highlighted the difference in speed between F1 and MotoGP, mentioning how acceleration in MotoGP is more extreme, while F1 maintains higher corner speeds.
• 🛑 Pedro discussed the challenges of MotoGP, particularly the high speeds and risks involved, especially compared to Formula 1.
• 🔄 Both athletes acknowledged their goals for the rest of 2024 and beyond, with Oscar focusing on the Constructors' Championship in F1 and Pedro aiming to finish the MotoGP season strong before transitioning teams.
• 🔧 Oscar and Pedro are both ambassadors for Quad Lock, a Melbourne-based company, and they appreciate the opportunity to grow together as representatives of their sports.

Q & A

What is the main activity the participants are preparing for in the video?

The participants, Oscar Piastri and Pedro Acosta, are preparing to cut some laps in go-karts at a karting track.

What is Pedro Acosta's experience with four-wheel racing?

Pedro Acosta, coming from a two-wheel background in MotoGP, admits that he has little experience with four-wheel racing but is excited to try karting for the first time.

What advice does Oscar Piastri give Pedro Acosta regarding driving a shifter kart?

Oscar Piastri advises Pedro Acosta that he will be impressed by the brakes in the shifter kart and that karting requires more effort in shifting gears with one hand while driving.

How does Oscar Piastri compare the speed and acceleration of MotoGP bikes to Formula 1 cars?

Oscar notes that while corner speeds in MotoGP are slower compared to Formula 1, the acceleration on the straights for MotoGP bikes is insane, making them appear very fast in those sections.

What did Pedro Acosta find challenging about riding MotoGP bikes, particularly at high speeds?

Pedro Acosta recalls riding at 300 km/h as a particularly challenging and not fun experience, especially due to the lack of safety compared to four-wheel racing.

What are Oscar Piastri's thoughts on his progress in Formula 1 in 2024?

Oscar is pleased with his 2024 season, having achieved five podiums and his first win in Hungary. He feels he has made significant progress and is enjoying fighting at the front.

How does Pedro Acosta describe the step up from Moto2 to MotoGP?

Pedro Acosta explains that MotoGP is a huge step up from Moto2, involving more advanced controls, aerodynamics, and a larger team of engineers and mechanics.

What is Oscar Piastri's outlook for the rest of the 2024 season?

Oscar's primary focus for the remainder of 2024 is on helping his team compete for the Constructors' Championship. While the Drivers' Championship is still an outside possibility, the team aspect is his main goal.

How does the sensation of speed differ between MotoGP and Formula 1 for the drivers?

Pedro Acosta describes the sensation of speed on a MotoGP bike as more intense because he feels the wind and head movement at high speeds. Oscar Piastri feels more in control in a Formula 1 car due to being strapped in, despite the high speeds.

What does being an ambassador for Quadlock mean to Oscar Piastri and Pedro Acosta?

Both Oscar Piastri and Pedro Acosta are proud to represent Quadlock. Oscar highlights the connection to his hometown of Melbourne, and Pedro appreciates the support from the company in his MotoGP career.