Former F1 champion sends warning to Verstappen: ‘Piastri won't put up with your crap’

For decades, Australia has been waiting for another Formula 1 world champion. Now, with a strong McLaren beneath him, Oscar Piastri appears to have the tools to become that long-awaited hero. However, he’ll need to consistently outperform Max Verstappen throughout the season. According to Alan Jones, this rivalry could lead to some spectacular — and potentially controversial — moments as the year unfolds.

"He sees a gap and goes for it, and Oscar is not going to be put off by that,” Jones stated on the Australian Fox Sports. “A lot of other drivers he’ll bluff and hold them to ransom a bit, but I believe Oscar has got the mental strength not to put up with that crap."

Oscar Piastri is the leader of the Formula 1 championship with 131 points and has won the last three races consecutively. Teammate Lando Norris has played second fiddle throughout the majority of the season to the Australian, who has just entered his third season in the sport.

Jones has praised Piastri for his mental strength, contrasting him with teammate Lando Norris, whom he had previously described as "weak." He believes Piastri is mentally tougher, showing a more focused and resilient approach. Jones pointed out that Norris often speaks about his mental struggles, implying that Piastri's straightforward and no-nonsense attitude will help him in his pursuit of his first world title in F1.