Oscar Piastri enters the Mexican Grand Prix with the lead in the Formula 1 drivers’ championship, but his position is increasingly precarious. The Australian driver has been outscored by his McLaren teammate, Lando Norris, and reigning world champion Max Verstappen in the last four races. What started as a comfortable advantage of 34 points over Norris and 104 points over Verstappen has now dwindled to just 14 and 40 points, respectively. With the pressure mounting, Piastri faces critical challenges as he seeks to retain his championship lead.
Piastri has maintained that McLaren should not favor one driver over another, despite the intensifying competition from his rivals. Each race weekend brings heightened scrutiny, and former drivers have commented on how Piastri is managing the growing pressure. Following a disappointing performance in the United States, Piastri emphasized his experience, stating, “I’ve been in fights that were as close, or at this point, even closer than what they are now. So I’ve got the evidence for myself that things can still turn out well, and I still fully believe that I can win the championship.”
Before reaching the pinnacle of open-wheel racing, Piastri showcased his talent by winning championships in lower formulas. He claimed titles in the Formula Renault Eurocup in 2019, Formula 3 in 2020, and Formula 2 in 2021. His performance during the F3 championship, in particular, highlighted his ability to thrive under pressure. Entering the final weekend of the season with an eight-point lead, Piastri faced intense competition but ultimately clinched the title by finishing seventh, securing his second consecutive championship.
Piastri’s solid foundation in racing was underscored by the praise he received from Mia Sharizman, the then-director of the Renault Sport Academy. She remarked on his consistency and composure, qualities that have proven essential in his journey through Formula 1. Piastri’s calm demeanor has been evident during his rookie season, where he secured a sprint race victory and contributed to McLaren’s constructors’ championship in 2024.
As Piastri embarks on this pivotal race weekend in Mexico City, he faces formidable competition. Lando Norris has emerged as the form driver at McLaren, while Verstappen and Red Bull continue to set the standard in the sport. The upcoming qualifying session will be crucial; recent history indicates that the past five grands prix have been won by the pole sitter. Piastri’s previous four races have seen him start from positions that have hindered his chances, making a strong qualifying performance essential for his title defense.
The significance of qualifying cannot be overstated. According to George Russell of Mercedes, “Right now, in F1, it’s a race to turn one.” He noted the minimal difference in performance between the top six cars, emphasizing that qualifying positions are now critical to securing race victories. Piastri’s two previous outings in Mexico resulted in eighth-place finishes, both times following subpar qualifying sessions. Last year, he struggled to secure a higher grid position, starting 17th before making a notable recovery during the race.
This weekend, Piastri’s ability to stay composed will be tested once more. With the championship lead on the line, a strong qualifying performance could shift momentum back in his favor. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely as Piastri seeks to reaffirm his reputation for handling pressure with poise. The Mexican Grand Prix is set to be a defining moment in the 2023 season, and Piastri’s next steps could pave the way toward championship glory.
