P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Oscar Piastri on whether McLaren should back one driver amid Max Verstappen threat
Oscar Piastri believes the F1 title fight with teammate Lando Norris is “far too close” for McLaren to prioritize one driver amidst the challenge from Max Verstappen. Despite finishing fifth at the Circuit of the Americas, Piastri now faces a narrower 14-point gap to Norris in the championship standings, with Verstappen lurking only 40 points behind. Verstappen’s recent dominant performances have rekindled his championship hopes, adding to the intense competition between Piastri and Norris for the title.
While Piastri acknowledged a tough weekend at Austin, he emphasized the need to analyze and improve his race pace moving forward. Despite a less favorable performance recently, Piastri remains confident in his abilities and his partnership with Norris in the championship battle. As the season progresses, Piastri aims to address the challenges faced in Austin and maintain his competitive edge against his rivals.
The pressure of the title fight and the nuanced issues concerning car setup may have contributed to Piastri’s recent struggles, as noted by former F1 champion Jenson Button. Piastri’s determination to understand and overcome the setbacks highlights his commitment to the championship race and his resolve to navigate the challenges ahead. Amidst the escalating competition and evolving dynamics, Piastri remains focused on refining his performance and pushing for a strong finish to the season, keeping the championship contention alive.
