Karun Chandhok amazed by Oscar Piastri stat during the Azerbaijan Grand Prix

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McLaren have had the fastest car on the Formula 1 grid over the course of the last few races, but have failed to take proper advantage of their edge in performance.

They tripped over themselves in Monza and lost a chance of victory, with Ferrari seizing the initiative and snatching a win from their grasp with a bold strategy.

A few races before that at Spa, they found a way not to claim the top spot despite having the best car throughout the weekend.

But through it all, it would come as a surprise to some that their main title protagonist – Lando Norris, has not been their most consistent performer.

Oscar Piastri has scored the most points in the last six F1 races

Oscar Piastri has been steadily building pace as he adjusts to life in Formula 1, to the extent that he is able to challenge his teammate Norris at every race now after fixing some earlier issues.

He may be out of the picture for the championship, but he will definitely be in contention for the title next season if McLaren have a car that is capable.

There’s one statistic which puts it into perspective best, as revealed by Sky Sports F1’s Karun Chandhok during the Azerbaijan Grand Prix.

READ MORE: What Ted Kravitz noticed about ‘speechless’ Lando Norris in Azerbaijan Grand Prix interview

“Piastri is on such a good run of form,” he said. “In the last six races, he has outscored everybody in the world championship.

“He has scored 110 points, vs 94 for Hamilton and 91 for Norris. He’s on such a good run here.”

Piastri’s supreme drive proves McLaren team orders unfair

Piastri’s form continued at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, where he claimed victory after a thrilling race-long battle with Charles Leclerc.

He had to work hard for the honours, overtaking his Monegasque rival on track before defending for almost the entirety of the grand prix.

There had been calls for team orders at previous events in a bid to give McLaren and Norris the best shot at winning the drivers’ championship.

READ MORE: Peter Windsor explains Frederic Vasseur’s role in ‘brilliant’ Baku pole for Charles Leclerc

But, Piastri has answered that question himself with his performances, and will be a very handy asset in the final seven races of the season – helping the team maximise their chances of a first championship since 2008.

His ability to be ahead of Max Verstappen is perhaps most valuable, which helps surmount a little more pressure on the Dutchman’s shoulders at every event.