Herbert Urges Piastri to Maintain Mindset Amidst Championship Battle

Oscar Piastri, currently trailing Lando Norris by a single point in the drivers' standings, is being advised by former F1 driver Johnny Herbert to stick to his established approach despite recent setbacks. Piastri's fifth-place finish in Mexico City saw him lose the championship lead for the first time since the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, with Max Verstappen also closing in.

Why it matters:

Piastri's performance in the remaining races will be crucial in a tightly contested championship. Herbert's counsel highlights the psychological pressures top drivers face and emphasizes the importance of mental fortitude. Maintaining a consistent approach could be key to Piastri's ability to reclaim the lead and challenge for the title against strong competitors like Norris and Verstappen.

The Details:

• Current Standings: After Mexico, Lando Norris leads with 357 points, followed closely by Oscar Piastri with 356 points, and Max Verstappen with 321 points.
• Loss of Lead: This marks the first time since the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix that Piastri is not leading the drivers' championship.
• Herbert's Advice: Johnny Herbert, a former F1 driver and steward, asserts that Piastri should not alter his driving style or mindset.
  • He notes that being 'the chaser' often comes with less pressure.
  • Herbert believes Piastri hasn't lost his early-season form, reminding that even great F1 drivers don't win every race.
  • He stresses the importance of utilizing the support within the McLaren 'bubble' and being prepared for when everything 'clicks' again.
• Finding the 'Missing Piece': Herbert suggests Piastri needs to rediscover the 'missing piece of the puzzle' to perform consistently at his peak, similar to how Norris and Verstappen have had strong stints this season.
• Momentum Swings: Herbert expects more momentum shifts in the remaining races, advising Piastri not to overthink race weekends but to focus on his performance and anticipate positive surprises.
• Piastri's 'Useful Tool': Herbert highlighted Piastri's unreadable nature as a powerful asset, stating, "If we can’t read him, then his teammates aren’t going to be able to read him either. And that’s a powerful thing to have."

What's next:

With four Grands Prix and two Sprints remaining in the 2025 season, the championship battle is far from over. The next event is the Sao Paulo Grand Prix, where a maximum of 33 points are available. Piastri's ability to internalize Herbert's advice and maintain his composure will be critical as he looks to turn the tide and challenge for the championship in these final crucial rounds.