Jos Verstappen has spoken out about the current situation at McLaren, calling it “quite strange” as Oscar Piastri’s once-dominant lead in the Formula 1 Drivers’ Championship has slipped away. The Dutch former driver and father of reigning champion Max Verstappen noted that Piastri needs to “fight back” after losing his early-season momentum.
Earlier in the campaign, Piastri looked to be in complete control of the title race. Following his victory at Zandvoort, the Australian held a 34-point advantage over his teammate Lando Norris and an impressive 104-point lead over Max Verstappen. His consistent performances and confident driving made him the clear favorite for the championship.
However, Piastri’s form has dipped significantly in recent races. He has not won since Zandvoort, and his inability to capitalize on key opportunities has allowed both Norris and Verstappen to close the gap. Meanwhile, Norris’s resurgence has reshaped the title fight entirely, creating tension and uncertainty within the McLaren camp.
Lando Norris’s recent string of strong finishes has propelled him into the lead by a single point over Piastri, marking a dramatic shift in team dynamics. Max Verstappen, now just 36 points behind the leader, also remains within striking distance, keeping his hopes of defending the championship alive.
Jos Verstappen’s comments reflect the growing intrigue surrounding McLaren’s internal rivalry. What once seemed like Piastri’s championship to lose has transformed into a three-way battle fueled by momentum shifts and mounting pressure. As the season enters its decisive phase, all eyes are on whether Piastri can regain his composure and reassert himself as McLaren’s frontrunner.
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