Jos Verstappen Observes 'Clear Difference' Between Piastri and Norris On-Track

Despite Lando Norris's strong position in the Drivers' Championship, the disqualification of both McLaren drivers from the Las Vegas GP has significant implications for the title race, particularly for Oscar Piastri. Jos Verstappen, father of Max, claims to see a 'clear difference' in the on-track behavior of Piastri's and Norris's cars.

Why it matters:

• Piastri, once a title favorite, has seen his form decline, potentially shifting him from a championship contender to a distant third, intensifying the battle for the top spot.
• Jos Verstappen's observation raises questions about potential disparities between the McLaren cars, adding a layer of intrigue to the championship's final stages.

The details:

• Form Reversal: Piastri, who had a 34-point lead over Norris after the Dutch GP, is now 24 points behind Norris following six podium-less races.
• Las Vegas DQ: Both McLaren drivers were disqualified from the Las Vegas GP due to excessive plank wear, which, in a twist, kept Piastri's deficit to Norris at 24 points rather than increasing it to 30.
• Verstappen's Gain: Max Verstappen's victory in Las Vegas, coupled with McLaren's no-score, means he has drawn level on points with Piastri, making the fight for second and third even tighter.
• Jos Verstappen's Observation: Jos Verstappen noted a 'clear difference' in how the two McLarens navigate corners, stating, "One slides, the other doesn’t, and that raises questions."
  • He emphasized that this difference, despite McLaren's efforts to ensure fairness, is visible on track.
• Team Pressure: According to Jos, the pressure is now squarely on McLaren as the season heads into its final two rounds.

The big picture:

Piastri's unexpected drop in form has fueled various discussions, even as McLaren has stressed its commitment to fairness between its drivers. With Norris thriving and Piastri struggling, the competitive dynamic within the team is under scrutiny, especially as the championship battle tightens with Max Verstappen now tied with Piastri.

What's next:

McLaren Team Principal Andrea Stella has urged Piastri to approach the upcoming Qatar and Abu Dhabi GPs with a winning mindset.

• Stella emphasized that "mathematics is what counts" and encouraged Piastri to aim for victories in the remaining races.
• The championship outcome remains highly exciting, with Max Verstappen, Lando Norris, and Oscar Piastri all vying for the top positions in what promises to be a thrilling conclusion to the season. Max Verstappen, with nothing to lose, is expected to go on the attack.