Piastri Remains Confident in F1 Title Bid Despite Verstappen's Resurgence

Oscar Piastri insists he is still the favorite for the 2025 Formula 1 world title, downplaying Max Verstappen's recent surge in performance. Despite Verstappen's third win in four races at the United States Grand Prix, which saw Piastri finish fifth, the Australian maintains his focus is on regaining his earlier season form rather than on his rivals.

Why it matters:

After a dominant start to the season, Piastri's championship lead has significantly narrowed. His ability to fend off a resurgent Verstappen and his own McLaren teammate Lando Norris in the final five rounds will determine the championship outcome. This championship battle is heating up, with Red Bull's recent upgrades allowing Verstappen to challenge McLaren's earlier dominance.

The Details:

• Piastri's lead in the championship has shrunk to just 14 points over Lando Norris, with Max Verstappen now 40 points behind Piastri.
• Just four races ago, after the Dutch GP which Piastri won, he led Norris by 34 points and Verstappen by 104 points, indicating a dramatic shift in momentum.
• Red Bull's Upgrades: Following the Dutch GP, Red Bull introduced significant upgrades at Monza, which have propelled Verstappen to become F1's most in-form driver.
• Piastri's Recent Struggles: Piastri's recent results include a third-place finish in Italy, a crash in Baku, fourth in Singapore, and an off-pace performance in Austin, where he and Norris were also taken out of the sprint race on Lap 1.
• Verstappen's Form: Verstappen has now claimed three victories in the last four races, including a dominant win from pole at the United States Grand Prix.

Between the Lines:

Piastri's steadfast confidence, despite a challenging run of results, points to a strong belief in his own capabilities and his team's potential to rebound. His junior career successes in F2 and F3, where he won both championships, serve as a testament to his ability to perform under pressure and close out titles. While Verstappen's experience as a four-time world champion is undeniable, Piastri suggests that returning to his early-season form is his primary objective, believing the results will follow.

What's next:

With five rounds remaining, the title fight is far from over. Piastri's ability to identify and address the issues from the US Grand Prix will be crucial. The focus will be on whether McLaren can adapt to Red Bull's improved pace and if Piastri can regain the consistent form that saw him win four of the opening six Grands Prix to secure his first F1 world championship.