Piastri surprised by Verstappen’s form as gap closes in F1 title race

Oscar Piastri says he’s not changing his approach despite Formula 1 title rival Max Verstappen’s recovery in the 2025 drivers’ championship.

Piastri’s 104-point lead on third-placed Verstappen dwindled to 40 in just four grands prix, as the Red Bull racer took four victories (including one sprint win) and a second-position finish. Meanwhile, McLaren’s championship leader suffered a poor run of form, which included a costly crash on the first lap of the Azerbaijan Grand Prix.

“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.”

With five more grands prix to go, Verstappen is now a credible title contender against Piastri and Lando Norris, who’s 14 points down on his McLaren team-mate.

Yet, when asked if that was changing his approach, the Australian said: “It's not, to be honest.

“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.” Piastri previously insisted that his poor Austin weekend was a one-off.

Oscar Piastri, McLaren

Photo by: Steven Tee / LAT Images via Getty Images

“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 on whether he was concerned about his advantage over Verstappen shrinking to that extent, Piastri doubled down: “It's not really something I think about, no.

“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.”

Regardless, Piastri has been leading the standings for 15 grands prix – currently the longest-ever streak by a non-champion – and that’s a role which suits him just fine.

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