Piastri Reveals 'Strange' Driving Issues Amidst Recent Struggles

Oscar Piastri has shed light on his recent struggles in Formula 1, including a fifth-place finish at the Mexican Grand Prix. The Australian driver admitted to encountering 'strange' handling characteristics and a need to adapt his driving style, which has seen him outscored by teammate Lando Norris in recent races.

Why it matters:

Piastri's candid admission highlights the fine margins in F1 where even subtle changes in car behavior or tire interaction can significantly impact a driver's performance. As the Drivers' Championship battle intensifies, understanding and overcoming these issues will be crucial for Piastri to regain his early-season form and challenge for the title.

The Details:

• Recent Performance Dip: Piastri has been outscored by Lando Norris for four consecutive race weekends and hasn't made a podium appearance in the same period.
• Mexican GP Challenges: In Mexico City, Piastri qualified eighth and finished fifth, struggling from the outset to comprehend his MCL39's handling.
• Championship Implications: For the first time since the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, Piastri trails Norris in the Drivers' Championship by a single point, with Max Verstappen closing in, just 35 points behind.
• Driving Style Adaptation: Piastri revealed that he has had to drive 'very differently' in recent weekends or recognize when he should have driven differently, despite using the same style all year. This suggests a change in how the car or tires respond, demanding a new approach.
• Dirty Air Impact: He specifically noted struggles with 'dirty air' while following other cars during the Mexican Grand Prix, making it difficult to learn and adapt his driving.
• Teammate Comparison: Piastri acknowledged that Norris has seemingly found it easier to adapt to these changes, leading to the differentiation in their recent pace.

Between the Lines:

Piastri's comments suggest that the core issue isn't a fundamental flaw in the car's design, which hasn't changed significantly. Instead, it's about the evolving interaction between his driving style, the car's setup, and perhaps the tire characteristics under specific conditions. His emphasis on 'adding some tools to the toolbox' rather than 'reinventing myself' indicates a targeted approach to expanding his adaptability rather than a complete overhaul of his technique.

What's next:

Piastri is optimistic that further analysis will help him understand the issues and get back to winning ways. With the championship at stake, his ability to quickly decipher and adapt to these 'strange' driving characteristics will be paramount in the upcoming races. The focus will be on understanding why his established driving style, which worked for 19 races, is no longer yielding optimal performance in recent events, and how to effectively incorporate new adaptive techniques.