James Hinchcliffe might have spotted a worrying ‘trend’ with Oscar Piastri amid F1 title battle

Follow us on Google Discover

Oscar Piastri is fighting from behind in the Formula 1 title battle as the championship arrives in Sao Paulo for the Brazilian Grand Prix.

He trails McLaren teammate Lando Norris by one point in the drivers’ championship, having swapped positions with the Briton last time out in Mexico. With four races to go, and Max Verstappen looming large, fans are in store for an absolute treat.

It has now been eight weeks since Piastri last finished on the podium, and his recent struggles have been a bit perplexing. The Aussie just hasn’t been able to match his rivals and has been prone to the odd mistake. It’s a run which must end sooner rather than later.

Piastri looks like he’s ‘fed up’ with his current situation, and teammate Norris appears to have all the momentum in the title fight. Jolyon Palmer thinks Piastri’s drought will continue beyond the upcoming Brazilian Grand Prix, tipping him to finish third.

READ MORE: Jolyon Palmer concerned for Oscar Piastri after seeing Lance Stroll outperform him in vital area

James Hinchcliffe suggests Oscar Piastri has followed a worrying ‘trend’ before F1 title battle

Norris and Piastri are in a ‘nightmare’ situation, according to two-time Formula 1 champion Mika Hakkinen. Back when he drove for McLaren, team orders were never something to worry about, particularly in such intense situations.

In recent weeks, Piastri has been told to stop worrying about ‘rumours’ that his teammate might be receiving preferential treatment on track. The idea is that it can only distract him from the real task at hand.

Now, James Hinchcliffe thinks he might have spotted a concerning ‘trend’ that Piastri developed in his younger years, and is waiting to see if it transpires in 2025, too.

“I know there are some examples of championships that he has won in the junior categories, where he had a big lead, but for the second half of the year, really started to fade away,” he said.

“So, is that a trend in him, is that circumstance? We don’t know that yet. But, both those guys are in a position of dealing with this pressure for the first time.”

READ MORE: Damon Hill suggests how McLaren team orders are ‘confusing’ Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri

Oscar Piastri pinpoints the ‘great opportunity’ he has at the Brazilian Grand Prix

Piastri has lost some ‘composure’ recently, and may be starting to feel the effects of genuine pressure during a title race.

Looking ahead to the upcoming race in Sao Paulo, he mentioned in a press release for McLaren that he sees a ‘great opportunity’ ahead to make some inroads in the title fight.

“Brazil is a great opportunity to score some big points, especially with the Sprint race,” he said. “There is everything still to play for, and preparation for this weekend has been very productive.

“It’s a track that I enjoy with its elevation changes and the mix of long straights and tight sections. We’ll also have to keep an eye on the weather as always.”