For a half-year stretch, Oscar Piastri commanded the Formula 1 world drivers’ standings, achieving the top position with a triumph at the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix back in April.
Nevertheless, his push has demonstrated some instability in recent events, giving rise to various theories – that he struggles with the elevated expectations, that some mechanical issue plagues his vehicle, or that McLaren intentionally hampers him, preferring their other racer.
Despite the implausibility of these notions, Lando Norris has indeed ascended to the championship’s forefront, while Max Verstappen has steadily narrowed a gap that once stood at 104 points, now sitting at 36. Currently, Verstappen’s father, Jos, adds to the scrutiny on Piastri via his media outlet, the Dutch publication De Telegraaf.
“The situation at McLaren strikes me as quite peculiar,” Verstappen conveyed to the newspaper. “Piastri couldn’t have simply forgotten his racing acumen, could he? If I were in his shoes, or those of his manager [Mark Webber], I’d insist on some internal clarifications.”
“Because at present, doubts linger about his ability to cope with the added pressure – which isn’t conducive to building a solid reputation. This affects Piastri’s standing, in particular.”
Verstappen’s stance seems to straddle the line between suggestions that McLaren is subtly backing Norris – the rationale for which remains questionable, underscoring the self-referential essence of conspiracy theories – and assumptions that Piastri is succumbing to the weight of expectations.
Oscar Piastri, McLaren
Photo by: Joe Portlock / LAT Images via Getty Images
There’s little dispute that Piastri’s recent four race outings have fallen short of his usual performance. Two collisions occurred in Azerbaijan, with the latter putting him out of contention after anticipating the race start. In Singapore, his qualifying performance was below expectations, and he was pushed aside by a team colleague early on. Austin mirrored this pattern, with a less-than-ideal qualifying and a subsequent crash on the sprint’s opening lap that also involved Norris. The limited time spent on the medium tire impacted his race outcome. In Mexico, the track’s lack of grip proved a consistent challenge.
Considering these difficulties, do McLaren’s critics have grounds to suggest Piastri faces deliberate obstruction?
“It might appear that way, although I have no specific knowledge,” Verstappen commented. “Yet, if I were Piastri, I would now be asserting my position. The general expectation painted him as a future champion, a perception that has noticeably shifted.”
Verstappen Sr.’s recommendation that Piastri address his issues through self-assertion is in line with his established persona. Its practical validity remains to be seen.
McLaren has maintained its commitment to providing equitable opportunities for both racers. Following qualifying in Mexico, where Piastri’s struggles with low-grip conditions continued from Austin, the team conducted an extensive review, using video and data to assist him in adaptation.
Team principal Andrea Stella has suggested that Norris excels on low-grip circuits because he’s willing to push the vehicle more once comfortable. This approach can lead to a ‘sweet spot’ where controlled sliding enhances lap times, without excessively raising tire temperatures.
Oscar Piastri, McLaren
Photo by: Sam Bagnall / Sutton Images via Getty Images
“In scenarios like these, a driver must adapt their style to accommodate the considerable sliding that generates speed,” Stella explained. “This may differ from Oscar’s natural inclination for achieving faster lap times.”
“Despite many external suggestions for operating our racing organization, we remain committed to our values,” McLaren CEO Zak Brown stated to Autosport, with the full interview slated for release next week.
“Our commitment to core racing values endures. We will foster intense yet respectful competition between teammates, aspiring to finish strong.”
“Our goal is for both drivers to shake hands, securing a one-two finish. We are focused on creating an environment where they can settle the order on their own merits.”
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– The Autosport.com Team
