Steiner: Piastri Should Seek New Team if McLaren Title Bid Fails
Guenther Steiner suggests Oscar Piastri should leave McLaren if he fails to win the F1 championship, following a significant dip in form after leading the standings. Piastri now trails teammate Lando Norris and faces a resurgent Max Verstappen. While some speculate about McLaren favoring Norris, former F1 champion Alan Jones vehemently denies these claims, asserting equal treatment for both drivers as Piastri heads into a critical triple-header to salvage his season.
Oscar Piastri's future at McLaren is under scrutiny, with former F1 team principal Guenther Steiner suggesting the young Australian should consider leaving if he doesn't secure the championship title this season. Piastri, who once led the standings for 15 rounds, has seen his form dip significantly, now trailing teammate Lando Norris by 24 points and facing a resurgent Max Verstappen.
Why it matters:
Piastri's championship campaign has taken a concerning turn, raising questions about his mental fortitude and McLaren's team dynamics. Steiner's bold comments highlight the immense pressure on F1 drivers to perform consistently at the highest level and the potential consequences of not meeting championship expectations. A move for Piastri would be a major shake-up in the driver market.
The details:
- Steiner's Stance: Speaking on the Red Flags Podcast, Guenther Steiner argued that if Piastri fails to win the championship, he should look for opportunities with another top team, citing his youth and adaptability.
- Performance Slump: Piastri led the championship for 15 consecutive rounds, from Saudi Arabia to the United States GPs. However, his performance has declined sharply since his Dutch Grand Prix win in August, with only one podium finish and retirements in both the Austin and Sao Paulo sprint races, as well as Azerbaijan.
- Championship Standing: Piastri is currently 24 points behind Lando Norris and only 25 points ahead of Max Verstappen, who Steiner believes will overtake the Australian if his current trend continues.
- Verstappen's Resilience: Steiner praised Verstappen's comeback in Brazil, where he overcame a poor qualifying to finish on the podium, contrasting it with Piastri's recent struggles.
Between the lines:
Amidst Piastri's slump, whispers in the paddock have suggested that McLaren might be favoring Lando Norris. However, Australia's last F1 World Champion, Alan Jones, vehemently dismissed these claims as "completely baseless." Jones, a close acquaintance of McLaren CEO Zak Brown, affirmed that both drivers receive equal treatment, stating that no team would jeopardize one car's performance to benefit another in a championship fight.
What's next:
Piastri faces a critical triple-header with the Las Vegas, Qatar, and Abu Dhabi Grands Prix. These races will be crucial for him to regain momentum and steady his championship bid. The outcome will likely influence his and McLaren's strategy for the upcoming season, especially given Steiner's call for a strong comeback or a potential team change.
- The Las Vegas Grand Prix is scheduled for this weekend, kicking off the final three races of the season.