Ralf Schumacher suggests Oscar Piastri has changed since hearing McLaren radio

Ralf Schumacher spoke about both McLaren drivers during an appearance on the Formel1.de YouTube channel.

He noticed a shift in Piastri’s approach, describing him as more political in his radio messages and interviews. Some of this change may be influenced by his advisor, Mark Webber.

Piastri also responded to team orders at Monza with measured pushback before ultimately letting Norris pass. This approach echoed some of the strategies Webber used during his career.

“Both have their hearts in the right place. Lando is the more open type, even in the paddock.

“Oscar is open in his own way, but he also knows what he wants. He’s already learned politics. He’s implementing it too – you can tell from his radio messages, you can tell from his statements.

“He’s pretty clever when it comes to that. He’s perhaps not as authentic as he was in the beginning, but that’s part of being so young, so successful and having the chance to become world champion.”

Paddock opinion growing in favour of Oscar Piastri over Lando Norris

Robert Doornbos has said he does not see Piastri as the same kind of racer as Max Verstappen. He pointed out that the Dutchman would not have handed over a place to his teammate just because of a slow pit stop.

Piastri, though, has consistently followed McLaren’s team orders. That fits with Andrea Stella’s approach, and he knows keeping the team behind him is important for the long run.

Despite Norris only being 31 points back, there is already a feeling around the paddock that his title hopes are fading fast. But it speaks more to how highly people rate Piastri than anything against Norris.

Piastri has finished in the top four in 37 out of 38 races this season. If he stays on track for the next four events, he will match Lewis Hamilton’s record streak of 48 consecutive finishes.