Jamie Chadwick Tips Oscar Piastri to Outperform Lando Norris in Qatar

Jamie Chadwick believes Oscar Piastri will have an advantage over Lando Norris at the upcoming Qatar Grand Prix. The British racer highlighted the contrasting conditions of the Qatar circuit compared to recent races where Piastri has struggled, suggesting this could play into the young Australian's hands.

Why it matters:

After a recent dip in form compared to his teammate Lando Norris, Oscar Piastri's potential resurgence in Qatar could be a significant moment for his season. A strong performance would not only boost his confidence but also reaffirm his position as a formidable talent within McLaren, especially as the team looks to cement its standing among the top constructors.

The details:

• Jamie Chadwick, speaking on Sky Sports F1, emphasized the extreme differences between circuits like Las Vegas and Qatar in terms of layout, temperature, grip, and tire degradation.
• Track Conditions: Qatar's unique characteristics, being "polar opposite" to recent challenging tracks, are expected to favor Piastri's driving style and past performance at the venue.
• Piastri has experienced a dip in form since the Italian Grand Prix, failing to secure a top-three finish since Monza.
• Despite recent struggles, Piastri has a strong record in Qatar, finishing ahead of Norris in both the 2023 and 2024 Grand Prix editions held in Lusail.
• Both Piastri and Norris faced disqualification after the Las Vegas Grand Prix, adding to Piastri's recent run of less favorable results.

The big picture:

Piastri currently trails Norris by 24 points with two races and a sprint event remaining in the 2025 calendar. His ability to perform strongly in Qatar, a circuit where he has historically excelled, is crucial for him to close the gap and end the season on a high note. McLaren's overall performance will also be under scrutiny as they aim to maximize points in the final stages of the championship.

What's next:

The Qatar Grand Prix is the next stop on the 2025 F1 calendar. All eyes will be on the McLaren garage to see if Chadwick's prediction holds true and if Piastri can indeed turn his fortunes around at a circuit where he has previously shone. A strong showing could significantly impact the constructors' standings and set the stage for a compelling end to the season.