Oscar Piastri’s third season in Formula 1 took a dramatic turn after a string of difficult weekends, capped by a fifth-place finish at the Mexican Grand Prix that allowed Lando Norris, the race winner, to leapfrog him in the standings by one point.

For five consecutive races, Piastri has failed to match Norris or Max Verstappen’s pace, seeing a 34-point lead evaporate. Technical challenges and struggles adapting to changed track and tire conditions have troubled Piastri, forcing him to rethink his driving approach.

Still, Piastri remains within striking distance, with Norris at 357 points, Piastri at 356, and Verstappen closing in at 321.​

Adaptation and Mindset Key

Despite the recent slump, Piastri has shown resilience. He acknowledges the need to adapt his driving style and learn from his past missteps.

Team insiders and pundits highlight that Piastri’s struggles are technical rather than mental and note his ability as a “fast learner.”

He is focused on maintaining composure amid championship pressure and is ready to recalibrate for the unique demands of the upcoming tracks in Brazil, Las Vegas, Qatar, and Abu Dhabi.​

Four-Race Sprint to the Finish

The season’s closing stretch presents Piastri with crucial opportunities. None of the final venues overwhelmingly favor Norris, and team boss Andrea Stella is confident that Piastri can correct course quickly.

With 141 points still on offer across four races and two sprint weekends, the young Australian remains one of three realistic championship contenders.

If he rediscovers his early-season form, Piastri could reclaim not only the lead but also the confidence needed for a historic title run.