Johnny Herbert Backs Piastri Amidst Performance Dip, Citing Unpredictability as a Key Strength

Oscar Piastri has faced a recent dip in form, relinquishing his championship lead for the first time since the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix. However, former F1 driver and steward Johnny Herbert insists that Piastri should not alter his approach, emphasizing that every great driver experiences fluctuating performances. Herbert believes Piastri's enigmatic nature is a 'powerful tool' against rivals, suggesting that his unpredictable style makes him difficult for teammates and competitors to 'read.'

Why it matters:

Piastri's recent struggles have seen him drop to second in the drivers' standings, just a single point behind Lando Norris. This tight championship battle, with Max Verstappen also closing in, highlights the critical importance of maintaining composure and confidence in the final rounds. Herbert's perspective offers a psychological insight into high-pressure F1 racing, stressing that consistency over an entire season is rare and adapting too drastically can be counterproductive.

The Details:

• Piastri finished fifth in Mexico City, a result that saw him lose his championship lead to Lando Norris. He now trails Norris by one point (357 to 356) and is 35 points ahead of Max Verstappen (321).
• This marks the first time since the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix that Piastri is not leading the drivers' standings.
• Johnny Herbert, a former F1 driver and steward, advised Piastri against changing his approach, stating: "The chaser, it’s always less pressure. And that is always something. But they’re so, so close."
• Herbert argues that no great F1 driver wins every single race, and a temporary dip doesn't mean Piastri has lost his inherent talent.
• He believes Piastri needs to "package everything that’s around you within that bubble of McLaren and utilise it and be ready for when it clicks. And it just hasn’t quite for him at the present time."
• Herbert points to momentum swings, noting that even Max Verstappen had an off weekend in Mexico, demonstrating that even top drivers experience periods where things don't "click."

Between the lines:

Herbert's most intriguing point is Piastri's inscrutability. "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." This suggests that Piastri's unique driving style and perhaps his mental fortitude make him a challenging opponent. This unpredictability could be an asset, forcing rivals to adapt rather than relying on anticipated patterns.

What's next:

With four Grands Prix and two Sprints remaining in the 2025 season, the championship is far from decided. The next race, the Sao Paulo Grand Prix, offers a maximum of 33 points, making every session crucial. If Piastri can find the "missing piece of the puzzle" and regain his early-season form, the championship battle is set to be a thrilling conclusion.