Piastri ‘surprised’ by Verstappen’s resurgence, won’t change approach

Oscar Piastri has admitted to being surprised by Red Bull and Max Verstappen’s renewed consistency in the 2025 Formula 1 title fight, but the McLaren driver insists his rival’s resurgence hasn’t rattled his composure or prompted any rethink of his approach as the championship battle intensifies.

After enjoying a commanding 104-point advantage over Verstappen earlier this season, Piastri now finds that cushion slashed to just 40 following a blistering run from Red Bull – four wins (including a sprint) and a second-place finish in the past four Grands Prix.

The McLaren driver, meanwhile, endured a costly rough patch, including a first-lap crash in Azerbaijan that further tightened the title race.

Piastri didn’t shy away from acknowledging Red Bull’s turnaround – and his surprise at the consistency Verstappen has found late in the season.

“The run of form that [Verstappen]'s had since Monza has been a bit of a surprise,” Piastri admitted.

“Again, there were flashes of that kind of performance at certain points earlier in the season, but there were also some pretty big dips. So to now be consistent, I think that has been a bit of a surprise.

“We know they've been still throwing a lot of things at their car, trying to improve it, so in some ways it's not a huge surprise. But he's just come into the fight quicker than I expected.”

Verstappen’s recent form has indeed transformed what once looked like a two-horse McLaren battle into a genuine three-way duel.

With five races left on the calendar, Verstappen’s resurgence has added a new edge to a championship that Piastri and teammate Lando Norris have largely controlled – until now.

‘It’s not something i think about’

Despite Verstappen’s ominous pace and shrinking deficit, Piastri insists he’s not changing his mindset – and won’t allow himself to be distracted by his rival’s resurgence.

“It's not, to be honest,” he said when asked if Verstappen’s charge was altering his approach. “Obviously the gap has shrunk a little bit in the last few races, but for me the focus has always been on just trying to go as fast as I can and get the most out of every weekend – which in some of the weekends we have, in some of them we definitely haven't.”

“So, that's really all I'm focused on and, you know, I think if I do a good enough job of getting on top of that every weekend, then it doesn't really matter what the picture looks like.”

Pressed further on whether the diminishing gap worried him, Piastri remained calm and unwavering:

“It's not really something I think about, no,” he said . “I think he's been very consistent in the last few weekends and been strong as well, there's no denying that. For me, there's no benefit for me in worrying about that or focusing on that.

“The thing that's going to help me win this championship is trying to get the most out of myself, the most out of the car, the most out of the team around me.

“Worrying about anyone else on the grid is not focusing on that. He's there, he's in the fight, but ultimately that doesn't change how I'm going to approach my racing.”

Still on Top — and Happy to Be There

Even as the championship fight tightens, Piastri remains in control – and comfortable carrying the weight of the lead. He’s now topped the standings for 15 consecutive Grands Prix, the longest streak by a non-champion in F1 history.

“Everyone likes a good underdog story, or trying to come back is sometimes a bit easier, but I'd rather have the championship lead than be in any other spot,” the 24-year-old said.

“I've always kind of said I enjoy that because it normally means you're doing something right.”

With five rounds to go, Piastri’s cool-headed confidence could prove just as crucial as McLaren’s pace. Verstappen may be closing fast, but the Australian isn’t looking in his mirrors – he’s focused squarely on the road ahead.

Read also: McLaren lifts ‘repercussions’ on Norris after Austin debrief

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