Juan Pablo Montoya says Oscar Piastri can make Mercedes ‘sacrifice’ George Russell or Kimi Antonelli

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Juan Pablo Montoya has suggested that Oscar Piastri could be the one to force Mercedes to ‘sacrifice’ George Russell or Kimi Antonelli.

Piastri, 25, has endured a tough start to the season after crashing out of the Australian Grand Prix before it even began. 

In Shanghai, Piastri failed to start the Chinese Grand Prix after an electrical issue forced both him and McLaren teammate Lando Norris out. 

However, Piastri bounced back in Japan as he managed to finish the race in second place behind Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli and ahead of Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc.

Looking ahead to the Miami Grand Prix, Piastri will be hoping to continue the momentum he gained in Suzuka.

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Juan Pablo Montoya tips Oscar Piastri to spoil Mercedes’ Miami Grand Prix

Speaking to AS Colombia, ex-Formula 1 driver Montoya suggested that Piastri could be the one to ‘spoil’ the Mercedes party. 

Montoya, who drove for Williams and McLaren during his F1 career, tipped Piastri to put Mercedes in a ‘difficult situation’ and potentially force them to ‘sacrifice’ one of Russell or Antonelli.

Montoya said: “I think Mercedes will win. If anyone can be close there, it could be Piastri and he could spoil the party, you know?

“So, it puts Mercedes in a difficult situation because if the McLaren is fast, for example, or something like that, covering both of them or rather covering one, they have to sacrifice the other, and that’s where the problems arise again.

“So, it’s very important if you’re with Mercedes to be able to dominate this weekend here.”

READ MORE: Oscar Piastri gives ‘very realistic’ answer on whether he’s world champion material in Formula 1

Martin Brundle expects ‘massive leaps forward’ from multiple teams in Miami

During the April break, it was well documented that teams were working around the clock to make improvements as they continued to adapt to F1’s new regulations.

While Mercedes are looking to bring their own upgrades to Canada, the likes of Ferrari, Red Bull and McLaren are bidding to close the gap to the leaders with several upgrades.

Speaking on Sky Sports, Martin Brundle says the resumption of the 2026 campaign feels like a ‘whole new season’. 

He said: “I’m very excited. It feels like a whole new season. So many upgrades are coming to the cars.

“I’m hearing all sorts of stories about massive leaps forward with some of the teams. We don’t know who will be fastest and what the top 10 will look like. We are into the great unknown.”