Oscar Piastri in Austin - Photo: Race Pictures

Piastri plays down Verstappen threat, focus on rediscovering form

14:32, 21 Oct

bySamson Ero

Oscar Piastri has stated that he has no reason to worry, despite Max Verstappen closing the gap in the Formula 1 Drivers’ Championship standings.

“Try and get back to the form we had earlier in the season. That's my biggest focus.”

- Oscar Piastri

The Australian driver, who spoke to GPblog, revealed his primary goal is to rediscover his early-season form, adding that once he and the McLaren team can achieve that, the results will naturally follow.

“The team is obviously there, but for me, the biggest focus is just trying to work our way through this weekend with hope and try to get back to the form we've had earlier in the season. That's my biggest focus, and if we can find that again, it's good. The results will take care of themselves.”

Piastri has seen his gap at the top of the Drivers’ Championship shrink with each race weekend, particularly since the resumption of the second half of the campaign.

Oscar Piastri at the United States GP - Photo: Race Pictures

The 24-year-old held a 104-point lead over Verstappen after the Dutch Grand Prix in Zandvoort. However, that gap has now shrunk to 40 following Verstappen’s win at the United States Grand Prix.

Brundle warns McLaren not to ‘step on their own tail’

Earlier, Martin Brundle warned the McLaren team to avoid “stepping on their own tail” as Verstappen closes in on the Drivers’ title fight.

The 66-year-old also stressed the importance of mental strength within the papaya-coloured team camp, noting the team must avoid letting the Dutch driver “get into their heads.”

Brundle’s words were echoed by Danica Patrick, who emphasised the importance of McLaren not allowing Verstappen to weave his way into both drivers’ minds.