P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Max Verstappen has revealed his bemusement at the situation Oscar Piastri is now in, having lost his once-commanding lead in the F1 drivers’ championship.
Max Verstappen expressed his surprise and confusion over Oscar Piastri’s unexpected drop in form during the latter part of the F1 season. Piastri had a strong start post-summer break, putting him in contention for his first F1 championship, but a significant points swing in favor of McLaren’s Lando Norris has changed the dynamics. With only three races left, Piastri must regain his earlier performance level to challenge his teammate. Verstappen, benefiting slightly from Piastri’s struggles, couldn’t explain the sudden change in Piastri’s results or McLaren’s misfortunes. Despite now being 49 points behind Norris, Verstappen needs a change in fortune similar to what Piastri experienced. Verstappen remains puzzled as to how Piastri’s form declined, acknowledging that driving skills don’t simply vanish inexplicably.
