Budkowski suggests 'mental element' behind Piastri's 2025 title collapse

Oscar Piastri’s bid for the 2025 Formula 1 title unraveled after a mid-season lead, prompting former Alpine executive Marcin Budkowski to suggest a "mental element" contributed to the collapse. Despite holding a 34-point advantage after Zandvoort, Piastri suffered a disastrous run, including a double crash in Azerbaijan, ultimately slipping to third in the standings.

Why it matters:

Piastri’s sudden downturn highlights the immense psychological pressure of a championship fight, even for a driver previously praised for his composure. Determining whether his struggles were technical or psychological is crucial for McLaren as they manage their driver lineup and prepare for future campaigns.

The Details:

• The Turning Point: Piastri’s championship hopes faded after the Dutch Grand Prix. A six-race podium drought began in Baku, where uncharacteristic errors in both qualifying and the race marked a sharp decline. He finished the season 13 points behind teammate Lando Norris.
• Conflicting Views: McLaren boss Andrea Stella attributed the slump to low-grip circuits that didn't suit Piastri’s style. However, Budkowski believes a loss of confidence played a role, noting the "spectacular mistake" in Baku was uncharacteristic.

Between the lines:

The contrast between Piastri's early-season stoicism and his late-season errors raises questions about how young drivers handle the weight of expectation. While car setup plays a role, the ability to reset mentally after a costly mistake often separates champions from contenders.