Steiner: Piastri's Mexico Performance 'Not World Champion Level'

Oscar Piastri's recent dip in form, particularly his performance in Mexico, has come under scrutiny, with former Haas team principal Guenther Steiner suggesting it wasn't "good enough to be world champion." This assessment follows Piastri losing his championship lead, raising questions about team support and his own confidence.

Why it matters:

Piastri's rookie season has been a revelation, but a recent downturn in results and the loss of his championship lead to teammate Lando Norris could be a critical moment in his development. Steiner's comments highlight the immense pressure young drivers face and the delicate balance between natural talent, team dynamics, and mental fortitude required to compete at the pinnacle of F1.

The Details:

• Steiner's Assessment: On the Red Flags podcast, Guenther Steiner stated that Piastri's performance in Mexico "wasn't good enough to be world champion." He believes Piastri is "struggling now" and suggested a lack of "support from the team to win the championship."
• Loss of Mojo: Steiner elaborated that a driver can "lose a little bit of your mojo, you have doubts, and you don’t perform as you used to." He noted that early in the season, Piastri had less pressure as the "unofficial number two" behind Norris, who had more experience.
• Impact of Rules: Steiner also linked Piastri's dip to "papaya rules" (likely referring to team internal guidelines or expectations), which he believes led to Piastri losing "a bit of confidence." This was particularly evident in qualifying, where a tough solo effort led to a poor starting position in Mexico.

Between the lines:

Steiner's observation about Piastri potentially lacking team support to win the championship hints at the subtle yet powerful hierarchy that can exist within F1 teams, even if not explicitly stated. While McLaren publicly supports both drivers, the longer tenure and experience of Norris could inadvertently create a dynamic where the more established driver receives a psychological edge or implicit preference in certain situations, impacting the newer driver's confidence.

What's next:

Despite the recent struggles, former FIA steward Johnny Herbert remains optimistic about Piastri's title chances. Herbert believes that shifting from the 'hunted' to the 'hunter' role might alleviate pressure on Piastri, allowing him to focus on his proven approach. The remainder of the season will be crucial for Piastri to regain momentum and prove that his early-season brilliance was not a fleeting moment.