The 'evidence' that keeps Piastri safe despite Verstappen’s title charge

Speaking to GPblog after the US Grand Prix, the Australian said he’s been in tight title fights before and come out on top — and believes he can do it again this time.

"I've been in fights that were as close or at this point even closer than what they are now, so I've got the evidence for myself that things can still turn out well and I still fully believe that I can win the championship," he said.

What initially seemed like an all-McLaren affair has rapidly evolved into a three-way fight for the championship — a reality Piastri now has to reckon with, especially after surrendering 23 points to Max Verstappen in just one weekend.

The Australian remains the title favourite, but where keeping Norris in check might once have been enough, he now needs to watch his mirrors for Verstappen as well. The margin for error has all but vanished.

In fact, even a single third-place finish — assuming he finishes second in every other race — would leave Piastri level with Verstappen on 447 points, with the Red Bull driver snatching the title on countback, provided he also stays ahead of Norris through the final rounds.