The 2025 Formula 1 championship has tightened after Max Verstappen’s dominant run in Austin, yet Oscar Piastri remains defiant.

The McLaren star endured a weekend to forget at the United States Grand Prix: crashing out in the sprint and finishing fifth in the main race, allowing Verstappen to slice 23 points off his lead.

With five rounds remaining, Piastri holds 346 points to teammate Lando Norris’s 332 and Verstappen’s 306, a 40-point cushion that looks increasingly fragile. Yet the 24-year-old Australian insists the evidence from his own career proves he can withstand the pressure.​

“I’ve been in fights that were as close, or closer, than what they are now,” Piastri said post-race. “I’ve got the evidence for myself that things can still turn out well, and I still fully believe I can win the championship.”

Lessons From the Past Fuel Confidence

Piastri points to his championship-winning campaigns in Formula Renault and Formula 3 as proof of his ability to hold firm when stakes peak. He previously edged Logan Sargeant and Theo Pourchaire by razor-thin margins, titles that cemented his trademark composure under pressure.

“Performance wins championships, not counting points,” he added. “The faster you go, the more points you score. That’s all that matters.”​

That philosophy reflects McLaren’s internal approach as well. Team principal Andrea Stella admitted qualifying weaknesses have hindered Piastri but praised his race pace, noting that consistency and setup refinement could be decisive in the final flyaway rounds.​

Verstappen’s Charge Meets a Wall of Belief

Momentum currently favors Verstappen and Red Bull, whose Monza upgrades have reignited their title hopes after early-season struggles.

The Dutchman has erased over 60 points from Piastri’s buffer since Zandvoort, claiming three wins and a sprint victory in his last four appearances. Still, Piastri appears immune to panic, viewing his rivals’ resurgence as part of a natural ebb and flow in a long-season campaign.​

“I’m not worried about the momentum,” he said. “The car’s quick, the team knows what needs improving, and I’ve been here before. That’s my evidence.”

As the grid heads into Mexico, the championship isn’t just a battle of speed. It’s a duel of belief, and Oscar Piastri’s conviction might prove the edge that keeps Verstappen’s fifth title out of reach.