Jamie Chadwick Questions Oscar Piastri's Recent Pace Issues

Jamie Chadwick has voiced concerns regarding Oscar Piastri's recent performance, particularly highlighting his lack of pace at the United States Grand Prix. This comes as Max Verstappen continues to show dominant form, raising questions about Piastri's ability to maintain his early-season momentum.

Why it matters:

After a strong start to the 2025 season, Piastri's recent dip in performance, especially when contrasted with the surging Max Verstappen, could have significant implications for the Drivers' Championship. Maintaining consistent pace is crucial as the title battle intensifies, and any sustained struggles could allow his rivals to close the gap.

The Details:

• Jamie Chadwick, speaking on Sky Sports, noted that Piastri "lacked a few tenths in Austin, which was more of a concern" compared to earlier 'big errors' in Baku.
• She contrasted Piastri's struggles with Max Verstappen's performance, stating, "Max is thriving. Austin was an environment that was challenging, and he built such an advantage over the field."
• Verstappen's Surge: Chadwick emphasized that with Verstappen now having "a handle on this Red Bull, he’s a real threat for the championship."
• Piastri's Austin Outcome: At the Circuit of the Americas, Piastri crashed on the opening lap of the Sprint race and finished a modest fifth in the Grand Prix.
• Championship Standings: Despite recent pace concerns, Piastri currently leads the Drivers’ Standings by 14 points over teammate Lando Norris and 40 points over Verstappen, with five races and two Sprints remaining.

Between the lines:

Piastri's early season success has been a major storyline, positioning him as a strong title contender. However, the comments from Chadwick underscore the ever-present pressure in F1. While 'big errors' can be attributed to isolated incidents, a consistent lack of pace, even by 'a few tenths,' suggests a deeper issue that needs addressing, especially when a formidable opponent like Verstappen is hitting peak form. Piastri's previous ability to overcome challenges from last season offers hope, but the stakes are much higher now with a championship on the line.

What's next:

As the 2025 title fight heats up, all eyes will be on Piastri to see if he can regain his earlier season form. With Verstappen making a strong late charge, every race will be critical. Piastri himself has acknowledged Verstappen's surprising surge but stated his focus remains on his own performance. His ability to adapt and find consistent pace in the upcoming races will be key to fending off his rivals and securing the championship. The remaining schedule, with five races and two Sprints, leaves ample opportunity for shifts in the standings, making Piastri's next outings crucial for his title aspirations.