Piastri’s Championship hopes grow vulnerable

OSCAR Piastri’s 2025 title charge is showing cracks — not because of a loss of form, but due to circumstance. As the Formula 1 season enters its final stretch, the Australian faces a subtle yet significant disadvantage that could alter the course of the championship fight.

- JEHRAN NAIDOO

SEASON'S driver standings' leader Oscar Piastri faces a threat to the championship tittle with five races still to go.

(AFP)

Piastri will miss multiple FP1 sessions over the coming rounds, including in Mexico and possibly later in the season, due to McLaren’s need to allocate seat time to a rookie driver for the FIA’s mandatory young-driver requirement.

At first glance, missing a practice session may seem trivial, but in a title race separated by fine margins, it’s potentially decisive. FP1 is critical for gathering data, testing setups, and understanding tyre behaviour — especially on unpredictable circuits like Mexico City and Las Vegas.

Without that extra track time, Piastri risks starting key weekends on the back foot while his closest rivals, Lando Norris and Max Verstappen, enjoy a full run of preparation.

With five races remaining, the standings are delicately poised:

Oscar Piastri 346 points

Lando Norris 332 (-14)