Oscar Piastri during the Mexico Grand Prix weekend - Photo: Race Pictures

Is Piastri slipping? Chadwick flags McLaren driver’s pace issue

11:35, 25 Oct

Updated: 12:37, 25 Oct

bySamson Ero

Jamie Chadwick has expressed concerns over Oscar Piastri's lack of pace at the United States Grand Prix, describing it as a major worry for the McLaren driver.

“He lacked a few tenths in Austin, which was more of a concern.”

- Jamie Chadwick

The British driver, who was on punditry duty with Sky Sports, stressed how Max Verstappen continues to thrive – particularly following his performance at the United States Grand Prix – while contrasting it to Piastri’s struggles in Austin.

"Max is thriving. Austin was an environment that was challenging, and he built such an advantage over the field. Now that he’s got a handle on this Red Bull, he’s a real threat for the championship.”

"Oscar made two big errors in Baku, which you can draw a line under, but he lacked a few tenths in Austin, which was more of a concern. He overcame it from last year to this year, so hopefully, for his sake, he can again."

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Oscar Piastri collided with Nico Hulkenberg at the US Grand Prix Sprint - Photo: Race Pictures

Piastri endured an underwhelming outing by his 2025 standards last time out at the Circuit of the Americas. The Australian driver crashed on the opening lap of the Sprint race and could only muster a fifth-place finish during the Grand Prix in Austin.

Piastri on Verstappen closing the title gap

Earlier, Piastri admitted Verstappen’s late title charge has come as a surprise. The 24-year-old revealed he did not expect the Red Bull driver to mount such a strong late surge for the championship.

The McLaren driver, however, stated that he remains focused on himself as the 2025 title fight heats up.

Currently, Piastri leads the Drivers’ Standings by 14 points over teammate Lando Norris and 40 points over Verstappen, with five races and two Sprints left on the calendar.