Verstappen, Norris & Piastri Reflect on Key Lost Points This Season

Ahead of the Abu Dhabi title decider, Lando Norris, Max Verstappen, and Oscar Piastri have candidly discussed the pivotal moments where they believe crucial championship points slipped through their fingers during the season. Their reflections highlight a mix of driver errors, team strategy missteps, and challenging race conditions.

Why it matters:

• In a sport where every point counts, especially as the season culminates in a title showdown, understanding the 'what ifs' provides insight into the intense pressure and fine margins that define Formula 1. These reflections underscore the competitive nature of the sport and the constant quest for perfection from both drivers and teams.
• For McLaren drivers Norris and Piastri, these lost points are particularly poignant as they navigate a tight battle, while Verstappen's perspective, though from a dominant position, still reveals the relentless pursuit of optimal performance.

The details:

• Lando Norris was the most vocal, citing multiple incidents:
  • His crash in Canada which he openly admitted was his mistake, costing significant points.
  • A DNF (Did Not Finish) in Zandvoort due to an engine issue, highlighting an unlucky moment.
  • A disqualification at the Las Vegas Grand Prix, another substantial blow to his points tally.
  • A strategy mishap in Qatar was also mentioned among other smaller 'little things along the way.'
• Max Verstappen took a more generalized approach, not pinpointing a single race but rather acknowledging instances where Red Bull lacked sufficient pace to challenge for a win.
  • Despite this, he expressed pride in the team's overall season and their strong comeback in the second half.
• Oscar Piastri echoed Verstappen, declining to specify a single major mishap, stating that 'no season is ever going to be perfect' and that 'everyone's lost a certain amount of points at some point.'
  • He admitted there were 'a few races or moments I'd like to have again' for both himself and the team.

The big picture:

These reflections from three of F1's top talents illustrate that even at the pinnacle of motorsport, perfect seasons are unattainable. Both driver errors and team operational challenges inevitably lead to missed opportunities. The ability to learn from these moments and minimize their occurrence is what often separates champions from contenders. As the final race approaches, every point gained or lost throughout the year contributes to the narrative of the championship battle.

What's next:

With the title decider set for the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, the focus now shifts entirely to the track. While past points losses are acknowledged, the immediate goal for all three drivers is to maximize their performance in the final race. For Norris and Piastri, it's a chance to consolidate their positions and potentially improve, while Verstappen will look to conclude what has been a dominant season with another strong performance.