Piastri staying grounded despite title momentum

SERIES leader Oscar Piastri remained characteristically composed yesterday as he played down his chances of securing a fourth consecutive win at this weekend's Emilia Romagna Grand Prix.

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The McLaren driver, who holds a 16-point advantage over team-mate Lando Norris in the drivers’ standings, said he expects a tougher race than in Miami two weeks ago.

Piastri and Norris dominated that race in sweltering conditions, finishing more than 30 seconds ahead of third-placed George Russell in the Mercedes.

“I think with the hotter temperatures there, and given some of the sessions we'd had earlier in the season, we thought it might play more to our strengths - and I think Sunday proved that,” said Piastri.

“I’m not expecting that to be the case every weekend! I would love it to be, but with those hotter conditions and that circuit characteristic, it will be difficult for us to repeat that result consistently.”