Piastri's Take on 'Critical' Question as Title Fight Nears Finale

Oscar Piastri faces a pivotal weekend in Qatar, where he could be mathematically eliminated from the championship fight. Trailing his teammate by nearly a full Grand Prix's worth of points, a finish behind his McLaren stablemate in Losail would end his title aspirations.

Why it matters:

Piastri's potential exit from the championship battle would solidify Lando Norris's position as McLaren's sole contender, allowing the team to focus its resources entirely on securing the title against a looming threat from Max Verstappen. This shift in dynamics could significantly influence strategic decisions in the final races of the season.

The details:

• Championship Standings: Piastri currently needs to make up a substantial points deficit, equivalent to almost an entire Grand Prix, to remain in contention. This means his fate is largely out of his hands.
• Mental Approach: Despite the high stakes, Piastri maintains a consistent mentality, stating, "Every weekend you try to get the best result you can, and whether that's round one or round 23, that's the same mentality."
• Focus on Performance: He acknowledges the championship situation but emphasizes his primary goal is to perform at his best. "The best way of keeping my hopes in as good a shape as I can is trying to go out and win and get the best results I can."
• Recent Slump: Piastri led the Drivers' Championship for much of the season but experienced a downturn in form from Monza onwards, losing his lead in Mexico and dropping further points in Brazil and Las Vegas. This slump has placed him in his current precarious position.

The big picture:

McLaren's strategy will likely shift if Piastri is out of the title fight. With Norris as the clear favorite, the team might need to consider team orders or prioritize Norris's race results to maximize their championship chances against Max Verstappen. This situation highlights the intense pressure and strategic considerations teams face as a season draws to a close, especially with two drivers from the same team in contention.

What's next:

The Qatar Grand Prix will be a crucial turning point. If Piastri is eliminated, all eyes will turn to how McLaren manages the remainder of the season with Norris as their sole title hope. The team's decision on Piastri's role, whether as a supporter or still vying for individual results, will be a critical factor in the final races. The outcome in Qatar could set the stage for a dramatic conclusion to the championship in Abu Dhabi.