Piastri: 'My mentality hasn’t changed' despite Verstappen threat

Piastri: Championship advantage has not been comfortable “at any point”

When Piastri extended his lead in the standings to 34 points in Zandvoort, he was asked if this advantage was enough to change his approach. At the time, it was felt he could afford to be more cautious and still maintain a significant cushion.

Unfortunately for the 24-year-old, this hypothetical is no longer being discussed. With Verstappen rapidly gaining and Norris also closing the gap, the margin for error is becoming smaller by the race.

To some extent, Piastri might feel unfortunate to have lost so many points in recent events. Fine margins in Singapore and Italy were costly in his head-to-head with Norris, whilst his aggressive Turn 1 in the COTA Sprint handed Verstappen another chance to close in.

At the same time, the Australian’s pace has seen regressed. In fact, it was Piastri’s lack of pace in Monza which he mentioned post-race as a reason why McLaren’s team orders were not particularly difficult for him to swallow.

Piastri’s biggest conclusion from Monza was his insufficient performance, though perhaps he would change his response to McLaren’s instructions if he could go back.

In any case, the Championship leader has not shied away from being self-critical of his performances. His weekend in Baku was an objective disaster, and Piastri understands the urgent need for a return to form.

Speaking last Sunday, Piastri was candid about the title race:

“Obviously Max is closing in, and so is Lando. But the gap has not been comfortable at any points this year, really.

“It’s been a little bigger at certain points, but at no point has it felt like I could relax or sit back.

“So my mentality hasn’t changed, and it certainly won’t now. Just trying to do the best job I can every weekend, and naturally the results will take care of themselves.”

McLaren under pressure

Of course, Piastri is not the only driver at McLaren under the microscope. Inevitably, Norris’ retirement in round 15 shifted this season’s narrative. Since the British driver’s misfortune, the general expectation has been on Piastri to get across the line.

Because of this, the Australian’s recent difficulties have been an even bigger talking point. Having developed a reputation for being composed under pressure, there is now more scrutiny than ever on this description.

Still, the 24-year-old is clearly still confident the last few rounds are just a momentary blip. Considering his general level of performance in 2025, this is a perfectly logical perspective – even if its also an essential one for a title protagonist.

For McLaren more broadly, there is a growing sense that Max Verstappen and Red Bull could pull of a remarkable comeback. Given the grip Andrea Stella’s squad have enjoyed for the majority of this year’s Championship, failing to secure the drivers title would be a disastrous scenario.

Norris is understandably eager to capitalise on his teammate’s downturn in form and make further inroads in Mexico this weekend.

This add another fascinating layer to the Championship race, which will demand the papaya duo to produce their best performances to counter the Verstappen threat.