Oscar Piastri has hit back at critics who claim he cannot handle the pressure of the Formula 1 title battle, insisting he still has what it takes to win the championship. The Australian’s lead evaporated after five races, with McLaren teammate Lando Norris moving a point ahead following a victory in Mexico City.
Piastri has not finished on the podium in his last four outings, leading to criticism from former world champion Jacques Villeneuve, who labelled it a “total collapse”. Villeneuve suggested Piastri had not been the same driver since the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, where he crashed twice and jumped the start.
Speaking ahead of the Sao Paulo Grand Prix, Piastri dismissed the idea of a crisis of confidence. “I know that I’ve still got what it takes to win the championship,” he told Sky Sports. “There’s been some bumps along the road, but there’s been bumps along the road for everyone this year at different points.”
Piastri acknowledged that his performances in Austin and Mexico City were below par, but he insisted he has learned from those weekends. “I’m confident I can still perform at some of the heights of success we’ve had this year,” he said.
Conspiracy theories have suggested McLaren are favouring Norris, with Jos Verstappen, father of Red Bull’s Max Verstappen, stirring the pot. Piastri shrugged off the claims, saying he feels comfortable standing up for himself and that the team encourages both drivers to fight for the championship.
