Photo: Race Pictures

Piastri: Verstappen is McLaren's "closest competitor" at Singapore

19:19, 02 Oct

byShayni Solanki

Oscar Piastri is 'not too fussed' with how the drivers' standings look amid Max Verstappen cutting the gap to 69 points.

"I'm not that fussed with kind of what the championship picture looks like."

- Oscar Piastri

After McLaren's disappointing weekend in Baku, Max Verstappen has been named the biggest threat to McLaren's title-winning hopes this season.

Championship leader Piastri is not concerned about the Dutchman gaining on him. "I'm not that fussed with kind of what the championship picture looks like.

"I think Baku was quite a good reminder of firstly how quickly everything can change, but also on some of the things that have made the season so successful for myself and the team.

"So I think just trying to stay focused on that will naturally take care of the championship picture."

In Singapore, Verstappen was also quizzed about this chances. Read about the Dutchman's verdict here!

'Verstappen the biggest competitor' in Singapore

Piastri has named the four-time World Champion as McLaren's closest competition in Singapore, with the tricky and sticky conditions set to pose a challenge.

"It's a very different, in some ways very similar to Baku, but in other ways very different in terms of downforce level and conditions.

"The simulator told us the normal things it does, you know, tried some setup things and whatever.

"The main competition, based on the last couple of races, I think Red Bull and Max will be strong again.

Max Verstappen, Lando Norris, and Oscar Piastri stood on the podium in Singapore last year - Photo: Race Pictures

"We've seen Ferrari be quick here in the past, Mercedes as well, so it's hard to kind of pinpoint who's going to be the main competition.

"Given the last few races and generally who's been the closest to us whenever there's been really close competition, it's more often than not been Max. So I think he's probably the closest one.

"I mean, ultimately, we'll find out tomorrow, but I think in terms of downforce level, it is very different. The speed range of the corners is a little bit different as well."