Oscar Piastri in Singapore - Photo: Race Pictures

Piastri’s lead shrinks to 14 points and predicts end of season battle

12:23, 24 Oct

Updated: 13:57, 24 Oct

byLuke-John Buckle

Oscar Piastri is convinced that the Formula 1 world championship battle will be a close fight between now and the end of the year.

"It's very, very difficult to judge, but I think it will be close everywhere we go."

- Oscar Piastri

Piastri does lead the world championship standings, but his advantage has been slowly diminishing over the past few races.

The Australian driver slumped to a fifth-place finish last time out in the United States Grand Prix. Max Verstappen took full advantage as he won the race, and Lando Norris took second place.

Piastri is adamant that the title battle will have little margin for error and maximising your car is the key to success.

He said in the FIA press conference ahead of the Mexico City Grand Prix: "It's very difficult to read. For me, it's very difficult to predict who's going to be strong where.

"If anything, it's more about who maximises their car each weekend rather than whose car suits different things.

"Because there were certain things of Austin that potentially worked well for us, but certain things that didn't and a lot of other circumstances. So it's very, very difficult to judge, but I think it will be close everywhere we go."

Oscar Piastri in Baku - Photo: Race Pictures

Piastri has made some errors in recent races

Piastri has built a reputation for being ice-cool under pressure throughout his Formula 1 career since joining the grid in 2023.

Despite this, he had an uncharacteristic weekend at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix where he made three errors, culminating in a first lap retirement.

He also lacked raw pace last time out at Austin, which meant he could only finish fifth, behind both Ferraris.

The championship is still in Piastri's hands with five races left, but his margin is now just 14 points over his McLaren teammate Norris.

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