The Formula 1 world is buzzing with questions as Oscar Piastri’s championship dreams hang in the balance. Just weeks ago, he was leading the Drivers’ Championship by a commanding 34 points, but now he trails teammate Lando Norris by 24 points with only three races left. What’s going on? Piastri himself hints at ‘other factors’ behind his sudden dip in performance, leaving fans and analysts alike scratching their heads.
Earlier this season, Piastri was unstoppable. He dominated in China and secured five wins in eight races, cementing his status as a title contender. But since the mid-season break, things have taken a dramatic turn. While Norris has soared, winning the last two races, Piastri has struggled to even reach the podium. And this is the part most people miss: Piastri admits that ‘something has been a bit odd’ in recent races, sparking speculation about what’s really holding him back.
Take Brazil, for example. During practice, Piastri looked like his old self, nearly matching Norris’s pace. But then came the Sprint race, where he crashed out, followed by a penalty in the Grand Prix. Even when he tried to fight back, Norris consistently outpaced him, both in qualifying and the race itself. Piastri’s frustration is palpable: ‘The last few weekends have been a similar trend,’ he said. ‘Austin and Mexico were the same—I had to drive very differently, and it’s hard to let go of what’s worked all season.’
But here’s where it gets controversial: Could McLaren’s revised front suspension, introduced in Canada, be part of the problem? Norris has clearly benefited from the tweak, which alters the feel across the front axle. Piastri tested it but decided against adopting it, calling it an ‘option’ rather than an outright upgrade. Was this a mistake? Or is there something else at play, like the bizarre tire behavior in Interlagos, where the soft tires barely outperformed the mediums?
Piastri isn’t pointing fingers. Instead, he’s focusing on adapting and expanding his driving arsenal. ‘The car’s been more or less the same,’ he explained. ‘It’s these other factors that have made things difficult.’ With 24 points to make up and a maximum of 83 still available, Piastri’s title bid isn’t over yet. But time is running out.
Here’s the burning question: Is Piastri’s recent struggle a result of technical challenges, his own driving style, or something else entirely? And can he turn it around in time to challenge Norris for the title? Let us know what you think in the comments—this debate is far from over.
