Piastri on Verstappen's Title Charge: 'Everybody Thought He Was Out'

Oscar Piastri admits that he, along with most in the F1 paddock, initially believed Max Verstappen was out of the 2024 title fight. However, Verstappen's recent surge in form, securing three wins in the last five Grands Prix, has put him firmly back in contention, trailing Piastri by just 40 points after the United States Grand Prix.

Why it matters:

Max Verstappen's unexpected resurgence dramatically shifts the dynamics of the 2024 F1 championship. What many perceived as a two-horse race between Piastri and Lando Norris has now become a tense three-way battle, highlighting the unpredictable nature of F1 and Red Bull's ability to adapt and perform under pressure.

The Details:

• Initial Expectations: Piastri openly stated, "I think probably everyone did [think that]" when asked if he initially believed Verstappen was out of the title picture.
• Verstappen's Recent Form: The Dutchman has won three of the last five Grands Prix, drastically closing the points gap to Piastri.
• Surprising Consistency: Piastri noted that Verstappen's consistent performance since Monza has been a "bit of a surprise," especially after earlier "big dips" in form during the season.
• Red Bull's Development: Piastri acknowledged that Red Bull has been "throwing a lot of things at their car trying to improve it," indicating continuous development efforts that are now paying off.
• Accelerated Challenge: "For everyone it's probably coming to the fight quicker than I expect," Piastri commented, emphasizing the speed of Verstappen's return to contention.

Between the lines:

Piastri's remarks reflect a broader sentiment within the F1 community. Early in the season, Red Bull's struggles suggested a genuine vulnerability, leading many to write off Verstappen's chances against the McLaren duo. However, Red Bull's relentless development, combined with Verstappen's unparalleled talent, has allowed them to claw their way back, demonstrating that counting out a champion is always a risky proposition. This comeback underscores the importance of continuous in-season development and the critical role it plays in championship battles.

What's next:

Despite the looming threat of Verstappen, Piastri remains focused on his own performance. He emphasized, "The thing that's going to help me win this championship is trying to get the most out of myself, the most out of the car, the most out of the team around me." The next race, the Mexico City Grand Prix, offers another 25 points, making every weekend crucial in this tightening championship battle. Piastri's ability to maintain focus amidst increasing pressure will be key to his title aspirations.