Oscar Piastri’s Struggle: “Not Natural” Driving Style Sparks Controversy at Mexico GP
In a gripping display of grit and determination, Oscar Piastri faced a daunting challenge during the Formula 1 Mexico City Grand Prix, admitting that he was compelled to adopt a driving style that felt, in his own words, “not particularly natural.” The Australian star, who began the race from seventh position, managed to claw his way to a respectable fifth place, but the journey was fraught with difficulties that left fans and analysts questioning the McLaren’s true potential.
While Piastri grappled with his car, his teammate Lando Norris cruised to a spectacular victory, reclaiming the lead in the Drivers’ Championship after a tumultuous battle earlier in the season. This dramatic turn of events has sparked fierce discussions in the racing community, especially considering that it was just 189 days ago when Piastri held the title lead in Saudi Arabia.
The race took an unexpected twist when a late Virtual Safety Car dashed Piastri’s hopes of overtaking Oliver Bearman on the final lap, leaving him to reflect on what could have been. “It’s difficult to say, ultimately,” he expressed to the media, emphasizing the challenges he faced in judging his MCL39’s competitiveness. “I certainly tried a lot of different things. I felt like I stared at the back of a lot of cars as well, so it was difficult to get a read on whether what I was changing in my driving was working that well or not.”
The young driver’s candid admission of his struggles highlights the intense pressure and unpredictability of Formula 1 racing. Piastri, who has shown flashes of brilliance throughout the season, is now grappling with the reality that the very driving techniques that propelled him to success may not be yielding the same results as the season progresses. “For some reason, the last couple of weekends have required a very different way of driving,” he lamented, revealing the internal conflict that comes with adapting to a car that seems to favor his teammate’s style.
This season has seen Piastri and Norris flip the script on their performance, with Norris often finding it challenging to unlock the MCL39’s potential while Piastri thrived. However, the recent races have seen a dramatic shift, leaving Piastri in a position where he must reevaluate his approach. “It’s been about trying to experiment with some of those things,” he admitted, acknowledging the steep learning curve he faces in each race.
As the dust settles on the Mexico GP, one thing is clear: Oscar Piastri’s journey is far from over. His resilience and willingness to adapt in the face of adversity are commendable, yet the question looms large—can he reclaim his competitive edge against the fierce backdrop of Formula 1? The racing world will be watching closely as he navigates these treacherous waters, seeking to redefine his path in a sport where every fraction of a second counts.
