After dominating the first half of the season with seven wins and a commanding points lead, Oscar Piastri has seen his form dip significantly.

A costly DNF in Baku was followed by underwhelming performances in Austin and Mexico, where conditions exposed difficulties adapting his driving style to low-grip circuits.

This slump has allowed Norris to close the gap, overtaking Piastri by a single point in the standings. McLaren’s technical staff emphasize this decline is linked to track-specific demands rather than mechanical issues, reassuring that Piastri’s chassis remains competitive.​

Adapting and Learning

McLaren team principal Andrea Stella highlights the importance of this period as a learning curve for Piastri, encouraging the young Australian to develop versatility in his driving technique.

Stella sees value in these struggles, considering them crucial to transforming Piastri into a more complete and adaptable driver.

Despite recent setbacks, Piastri showed improvement at the Mexican Grand Prix by recovering from ninth place early on to finish in the top five, signaling resilience and growth under pressure.​

Brazilian Grand Prix as a Turning Point

The Sao Paulo race promises to be a pivotal moment in the title race. With no particular track advantage for either McLaren driver, it’s a true test of skill, strategy, and mental fortitude. Meanwhile, Max Verstappen lurks in third place, 36 points behind, ready to capitalize on any slip-ups.

Piastri needs to halt his recent struggles and deliver a commanding performance to regain confidence, close the gap, and possibly reclaim the championship lead. The final four events will be decisive as the trio battle fiercely for the crown.​

Oscar Piastri’s ability to navigate the pressure-filled Brazilian Grand Prix may well determine the trajectory of his 2025 championship campaign, making it one of the most anticipated races in this season's nail-biting finale.