Australian cricket prodigy Sam Konstas recently joined teammates on a private tour of the McLaren Formula 1 factory outside London, hosted by F1 star Oscar Piastri.
The visit, kept under wraps until McLaren completed strict vetting of all media taken inside the facility, offered a rare behind-the-scenes glimpse into the elite world of motorsport.
Konstas, 19, expressed admiration for Piastri, calling the 24-year-old “a legend of a bloke” and praising his composure under pressure.
“He’s 24. First in the Formula 1. I don’t know how he deals with so much pressure on him,” said Konstas. “Having a bit of time with him was a huge honour.”
The cricketers tried their hand at McLaren’s racing simulators, with Mitchell Starc recording the fastest lap. Konstas, by contrast, laughed off his struggles.
“I was terrible. I was crashing all the time. It was good fun. I was definitely the worst one,” he said.
Usman Khawaja, a self-confessed F1 enthusiast, was reluctant to leave the simulator, while veteran Nathan Lyon kept a cautious approach: “Rather be safe than dead. That’s my theory behind the wheel.”
Konstas called the experience unforgettable, praising both McLaren’s cutting-edge facilities and Piastri’s humility.
“Hopefully he keeps coming first and he dominates,” he added.
Source: The Australian.
