Johnny Herbert Urges Oscar Piastri to Maintain Approach Amidst Title Fight

Oscar Piastri should not alter his approach in the final races of the 2025 season, despite a challenging run that saw him finish fifth at the Mexico City Grand Prix, while teammate Lando Norris secured victory and reclaimed the championship lead. Former F1 driver Johnny Herbert believes Piastri's calm demeanor and new position as the 'chaser' could be key advantages as the title battle intensifies.

Why it matters:

After a strong start to the season, Piastri's recent dip in performance has shifted the championship dynamics, with Norris now leading and Max Verstappen closing in. Herbert's advice underscores the mental fortitude required in F1 title fights, suggesting that consistency in approach, rather than radical changes, is crucial for navigating performance swings and intense pressure.

The details:

• Piastri finished fifth in Mexico City, starting from seventh, marking his fourth consecutive race without a podium.
• Teammate Lando Norris dominated the Mexican GP from pole position, winning the race and reclaiming the drivers' championship lead by one point over Piastri.
• Max Verstappen is now just 36 points behind Norris and 35 behind Piastri, keeping the championship battle tight with four rounds remaining.
• Johnny Herbert emphasized that the 'chaser' position often carries less pressure, potentially benefiting Piastri.
• He advises Piastri against changing his approach, stating that performance swings are normal in F1, with certain tracks favoring different drivers.
• Herbert believes Piastri's current struggles are a natural ebb and flow, not a loss of ability, stressing the importance of confidence in the car, timing, and a calm mindset.

Between the lines:

Herbert highlighted the 'puzzle' of F1 performance, noting how different elements click for drivers at various points in the season. He pointed to Norris's mid-season struggles and Piastri's current 'unhappy place' as examples of how driver-car synergy and confidence can fluctuate, even for top talents like Verstappen, who also faced challenges in Mexico. This suggests that the psychological aspect and nuanced feel for the car are paramount.

What's next:

With four rounds remaining, the championship is poised for a thrilling conclusion. Piastri's ability to maintain his calm and consistent approach, as advised by Herbert, will be critical. If he can leverage his unreadable personality and find that 'click' with the car again, he stands a strong chance of re-entering the top form needed to challenge Norris and Verstappen for the title.

• The upcoming races will test Piastri's resilience and mental game, determining whether he can convert Herbert's advice into tangible results on track.
• His performance in these crucial final rounds will reveal if his composed demeanor truly gives him a strategic edge in a high-stakes championship battle.