Oscar Piastri’s Brazilian Grand Prix proved challenging, with the McLaren driver struggling in both the Sprint Race and qualifying. He was largely overshadowed by his teammate Lando Norris and suffered a major error in the Sprint Race, clipping the wet curbs and hitting the barriers at Turn 3. This mistake allowed Norris to extend his lead in the Drivers’ Championship.
While the media often portrays the Melbourne-born driver as cool, detached, and calculating, comments from notable figures in F1 may have unsettled him, causing a temporary loss of composure—something he had previously managed with apparent ease.
Comments from F1 insiders
In the days leading up to the race, Jos Verstappen, father of Max, and former F1 boss Bernie Ecclestone weighed in on Oscar Piastri’s recent struggles, suggesting possible favoritism by McLaren towards Norris in the championship fight. Piastri, who lost the championship lead after the Mexican GP, firmly denied any bias and emphasized his comfort in defending his own interests within the team.
Ecclestone claimed McLaren deliberately held back Piastri to favor Norris, citing the British driver’s greater media appeal. He described Oscar Piastri as “disappointed and tired” due to the team’s internal management. According to Bernie Ecclestone, “It seems McLaren is favoring Norris in the second half of the season. Piastri was clearly faster earlier in the year, but the team slowed him down with various methods. A Norris victory would be more beneficial for McLaren, thanks to his star power.” He added that Piastri’s title hopes were derailed by the team’s preference for Norris, who has more commercial charisma.
Jos Verstappen also found Piastri’s form drop “strange,” implying that resources were being shifted to Norris. He advised Oscar Piastri’s manager, former Red Bull driver Mark Webber, to take a strong stance, citing similar experiences he had in the past. “It seems quite odd what’s happening at McLaren,” said Verstappen. “Piastri cannot have suddenly forgotten how to drive, right? If I were him or his manager, I would firmly assert myself internally at least once. Now everyone is wondering if he can handle the pressure, and that’s not good for his image. If I were Piastri, I would fight now. The situation gives a negative impression, considering he was expected to be champion.”
Piastri’s response
Oscar Piastri dismissed any claims of sabotage, emphasizing the transparency and honesty within McLaren. He acknowledged recent difficulties but reaffirmed his belief in his championship prospects. “I don’t think anything needs to change. Within the team, we are always open and honest with each other about what we think is right. I feel comfortable defending my own interests, and the team encourages that,” said Oscar Piastri. “There is no favoritism: everything is explainable. I still believe in the championship. It’s a complex dynamic with two drivers fighting for a title that only one can win, but we manage everything fairly. My recent struggles are linked to circuits, not external pressure.”
It remains uncertain how much the media commentary and insider remarks have affected Oscar Piastri mentally or whether they contributed to his drop in performance. However, fans and the team alike expect a strong response. With Norris starting on pole and Oscar Piastri three positions behind, the Drivers’ Championship could increasingly tilt towards Bristol rather than Melbourne.
If Oscar Piastri is to win the title, he needs to clear his mind, distance himself from distractions, trust in a team that has provided one of the strongest cars in recent years, and fully capitalize on his potential—just as his teammate Norris has been doing.
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